There’s just something magical about a warm, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven after a long day. And this Texas Tamale Pie? It’s like a hug in a baking dish—hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for game day, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Texas Tamale Pie
- A savory filling of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and zesty tomatoes with green chilies, all snuggled under a golden cornmeal crust.
- Topped with melty cheddar cheese for that irresistible Tex-Mex comfort food vibe.
- Super versatile—you can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up.
- A perfect last-minute dinner that always impresses family and friends—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: The star of the show, providing rich flavor and protein. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Black beans: These add a hearty texture and a boost of fiber. Canned beans are convenient, but feel free to use cooked dried beans if you prefer.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: This brings a zesty kick and moisture to the filling. Look for a can with no added sugar for a healthier choice.
- Chili powder: A must-have spice that gives the dish its signature Tex-Mex flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Cumin: This earthy spice enhances the overall flavor profile, making it warm and inviting.
- Garlic powder: For that aromatic touch, garlic powder is a quick way to infuse flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors in the dish.
- Cornmeal: The base for the topping, providing a delightful texture. You can use yellow or white cornmeal, depending on your preference.
- Milk: This helps create a creamy cornmeal mixture. You can substitute with almond milk or any non-dairy option if needed.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the cornmeal topping, giving it structure.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A melty, gooey topping that adds richness. Feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
- Sliced black olives (optional): These add a briny flavor and a pop of color. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it for that extra burst of flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Texas Tamale Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust on top. Trust me, you want that crispy finish!
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat; we want to keep it delicious, not greasy!
Step 3: Add Beans and Spices
Next, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg. Mix until smooth. This mixture will create a delightful topping that complements the savory filling perfectly.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Then, layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal. Finally, pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top, creating a delicious barrier.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Now for the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set nicely. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch, and you’re ready to dig in!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Texas Tamale Pie
- Make it ahead: Prep the beef mixture earlier in the day and assemble right before baking.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder if you like a kick.
- Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a melty twist.
And don’t panic if your cornmeal mixture looks a little runny—it bakes up beautifully. That’s the magic happening!
A Personal Touch
The first time I made this dish, I was in a rush to prepare dinner before a busy evening. To my surprise, my kids loved it so much they asked for seconds, and my husband claimed it tasted better than his favorite restaurant enchiladas. It quickly became our go-to comfort food for both weeknights and casual get-togethers
FAQs About Texas Tamale Pie
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner version.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the meat and double up on beans or add sautéed bell peppers and corn for extra flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Let’s Get Cooking!
This Texas Tamale Pie is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe even seconds). It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to whip up. Next time you need a comforting dinner that feels special but doesn’t take hours, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked!
Serve it with a crisp green salad, a dollop of sour cream, or even a side of guacamole to round out the meal. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this pie has a way of making any dinner feel like a celebration. So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a dish that just might become your new family tradition!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more hearty and flavorful meals to add to your weekly menu? These dishes pair perfectly with the cozy vibe of Texas Tamale Pie and will give you new ideas for weeknight dinners and family gatherings:
- Try this creamy and flavorful Homemade Butter Chicken for a cozy dinner packed with rich spices that will warm you up from the inside out.
- For an easy weeknight meal, you’ll love the one-pan simplicity of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. It’s comforting, quick, and a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Spice things up with the bold flavors of this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger. It’s perfect for backyard cookouts or when you’re craving a little heat.
- If cheesy comfort food is your thing, don’t miss the Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps—easy to make, super satisfying, and always a family favorite.
These recipes offer variety and flavor, making it easy to plan meals everyone will look forward to all week long!
Print
Texas Tamale Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Texas Tamale Pie made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and zesty spices, all baked under a golden cornbread crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
1 egg
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced black olives (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion softened. Drain excess fat.
Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the cornmeal mixture on the bottom. Layer the beef mixture on top, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture over it.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese and optional olives on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and set.
Cool for 10 minutes, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Notes
You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time for faster assembly.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg