If you’re craving a warm, hearty dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures straight to your table, this Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe is the answer. It marries the rich savory goodness of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese with a fluffy cornbread topping that’s both golden and inviting. Each bite is packed with that classic southwestern flair thanks to green chilies, black olives, and a touch of cumin and chili powder, making it a perfect all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this delightful casserole. Each component plays an important role—from the juicy, seasoned ground beef that brings depth, to the cornbread mix that provides a soft, slightly sweet contrast atop the savory filling.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that packs the savory punch of this dish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic warmth once cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a subtle kick and layers of flavor.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Brings a pop of natural sweetness and vibrant texture.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Infuses the filling with bright acidity and a gentle spicy note.
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced black olives, drained: Adds an earthy saltiness balancing out the spices.
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix: The golden crust that crowns this casserole with fluffy, tender goodness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Blends smoothly with the cornbread mix for the perfect batter consistency.
- 1 egg: Binds the cornbread topping so it bakes to perfection.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of richness just beneath the cornbread layer.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Speaks to the southwestern roots by adding smoky warmth.
- 1/2 tsp cumin: Provides an earthy, slightly nutty undertone enhancing the beef.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): A bright herbal note that livens up the final presentation.
How to Make Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your tamale pie won’t stick and helps create a beautiful crust once baked.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef along with the onion and minced garlic until the meat is nicely browned and the onions turn translucent. Drain any extra fat to keep the filling hearty but not greasy. This step locks in the savory base that supports the rest of the flavors.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Veggies
Mix in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to infuse the beef with classic southwestern seasoning. Toss in the frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sliced black olives. Continue cooking for about five minutes, letting all the elements come together in a flavorful harmony. Then, remove from heat to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix with the milk and egg, stirring just until everything is evenly incorporated. This batter will top the savory filling with a golden layer that contrasts both in texture and taste.
Step 5: Layer the Filling and Cheese
Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese right on top, allowing it to melt into the filling while baking, creating ooey-gooey pockets of deliciousness.
Step 6: Add the Cornbread Batter
Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the cheese layer, spreading it out gently to cover the filling in an even blanket. This step gives you the classic tamale pie silhouette—savory beneath, sweet and tender on top.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Perfect
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping turns a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This indicates your pie is perfectly cooked through.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let your Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe rest for a few minutes after baking. This cool-down time makes slicing easier and helps the flavors settle. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and herbal freshness before serving.
How to Serve Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with this dish. Fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness and a touch of herbal zest that complements the spicy and savory notes beautifully. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of creaminess or heat.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is quite filling on its own, pairing it with simple sides creates a well-rounded meal. Consider serving with a crisp green salad to provide a refreshing crunch or a scoop of guacamole to add creamy texture and extra Southwest flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual servings in ramekins for dinner parties, or scoop the casserole onto warm tortillas and top with avocado slices for a Tex-Mex inspired taco. The Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe is versatile and sure to impress however you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient next-day meal or a hearty snack.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This will help retain the moistness of the cornbread topping while warming the filling evenly.
FAQs
Can I make Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or a mix of beans and vegetables to maintain the hearty texture while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I use instead of cornbread mix?
If you don’t have cornbread mix on hand, homemade cornbread batter made from cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and eggs works perfectly as a substitute.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate, mainly thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder. You can adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer more spice.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving to enjoy fresh, hot tamale pie.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is traditionally used for its sharp and melty qualities, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit more flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe is a wonderful blend of comforting, bold flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make. It invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and share a taste of Texan warmth with your loved ones. Give this dish a try soon—you might just find your new go-to family favorite!
Print
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef with savory vegetables and a cheesy layer, topped with a golden cornbread crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole brings together classic Tex-Mex flavors with a simple, easy-to-follow recipe that bakes in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced black olives, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cornbread Topping
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat for a healthier dish.
- Add seasonings and vegetables: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add frozen corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sliced black olives. Cook together for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare cornbread batter: In a medium bowl, mix the cornbread mix with milk and egg until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the topping light and fluffy.
- Layer the casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Add the cornbread topping: Pour the cornbread batter over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the filling completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized by adding jalapeños for extra heat or substituting ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Make sure to drain the beef mixture well to prevent a soggy casserole.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
