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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole: Easy Hearty Southwest Dinner Recipe

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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed Southwest dish featuring spiced beef, creamy cornmeal crust, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy nights, gatherings, and anyone craving comfort food with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large ovenproof skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking up as you go, until browned.
  3. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Drain excess grease if needed. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, corn, and jalapeño. Stir well.
  5. Simmer mixture for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  7. In a separate bowl, blend milk, sour cream, egg, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring gently until just combined.
  8. Spread beef filling evenly in prepared dish. Spoon cornmeal batter over beef mixture, smoothing gently.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 30–35 minutes until cornmeal crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  11. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
  12. Top with fresh cilantro and green onions, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a GF flour blend. For vegetarian, swap beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans/veggies. Drain tomatoes well to avoid soggy crust. Prep filling ahead for busy nights. Let casserole cool before slicing for neat layers. Customize cheese and spice level to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: tamale pie, casserole, southwest, Tex-Mex, beef, cornmeal, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck, family meal

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/texas-tamale-pie-casserole-easy-hearty-southwest-dinner-recipe/