Description
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a comforting, hearty southwestern dish that layers seasoned ground beef with creamy cornbread and tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cornmeal (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend)
Instructions
- Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in a pan over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for several minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the melted butter, milk, and beaten eggs, stirring just until combined. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
- Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef filling evenly on the bottom. Pour the cornbread batter over the beef, spreading it to cover every corner. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top for a golden, melty finish.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the layers set.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
- Use your favorite cheese blend for added flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Texas Tamale Pie Casserole, casserole, southwestern dish, ground beef, cornbread