The Best Tamale Pie Recipe You'll Ever Make

Jump to recipe. The Best Tamale Pie Recipe You'll Ever Make: Tamale Pie is already a winner in my book (who doesn't love a good Tex-Mex mashup?), but this version takes things to a whole new level!

Here's why I'm obsessed:

• One-Skillet Wonder: Clean-up just got a whole lot easier! Everything cooks up beautifully in a cast iron skillet,meaning less mess and more fiesta time.

• Spice Up Your Life (Literally!): This recipe calls for toasting the spices before adding them to the dish.  Trust me,it makes a world of difference! The flavors become deeper, richer, and absolutely mouthwatering.

• Budget-Friendly Fiesta: This dish came in under $10 to make! Perfect for those nights when your wallet needs a little love. (P.S. I'm totally doubling the ground beef next time, because let's be real, more is more!)

This recipe ditches the traditional cornbread topping and uses a creamy cornmeal mixture with a secret ingredient: cream corn! Let me tell you, it's a game-changer. The texture is incredible, and the flavor is pure comfort food magic.

The beauty of this Tamale Pie recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs! Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it Up: For a bolder kick, add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. Love black beans? Throw in a can for extra protein and fiber.

• Veggie Fiesta: Don't be afraid to add your favorite chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. They'll add a pop of color, texture, and extra nutrients. (My picky eaters don't like this, lol)

• Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, experiment with other options like Monterey Jack,pepper jack, or a blend for a unique flavor profile.
  

The Ultimate Comfort Food Fix:

This Tamale Pie isn't just about convenience and flavor; it's about creating a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family. With its one-skillet approach, budget-friendly ingredients, and customizable options, it's a recipe that becomes a weeknight hero. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the Tex-Mex magic in your own kitchen! I guarantee this Tamale Pie will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

The Perfect Summer Dish:

This Tamale Pie pairs perfectly with rice, chips, and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex feast. It's light enough for a summer dinner but still satisfying and delicious. Plus, it's easy on your wallet and even easier on your time – win, win, win!

Recipe:

• 1 large egg

• 1 box corn muffin mix

• 1/2 c.canned creamed corn

• 1/2 c.sour cream

• 1 Tbsp. avocadooil

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

• 1 tsp. chili powder

• 1 tsp. ground cumin

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Spoonful of minced garlic

• 1-2 lbs. ground beef (if you do 1 LB do a 10 inch cast iron skillet)

• Freshly shredded cheddar cheese, Half of a block

1. Preheat oven to 400.

2. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. Sauté onions for a couple minutes. Add im chili powder and cumin and continue to sauté/toast. Add in garlic being careful not to let the garlic burn.

3. Now add in the ground beef and brown. Sometimes when the ground beef has browned i like to stir in some salsa for additional flavor! TOTALLY optional.

4. Shred Cheddar Cheese. Add over the ground beef.

5. Make the corn muffin topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix, cream corn, sour cream and egg. Pour this batter evenly over the cheese layer.

6. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, (if top gets too brown add aluminum foil) or until the corn muffin topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You will need to let the dish set for about 10 minutes for the corn muffin mix to be completely set.