Quick and Simple Tamale Pie Casserole Dinner

Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that will satisfy the whole family? Meet the Tamale Pie Casserole. This classic dish combines the best of cornbread and savory filling to create a meal that's both hearty and delicious. Perfect for home cooks, busy parents, and food enthusiasts alike, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• Cornbread Topping
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Filling

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with extra beans or a meat substitute.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in the cornbread topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cornbread Topping

Whether you choose to make the cornbread topping from scratch or use a pre-made mix, here's how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Set aside.

2. Cooking the Filling

The filling is the heart of the Tamale Pie Casserole. Follow these steps to ensure it's packed with flavor:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese.

3. Assembling and Baking

Now it's time to bring it all together:

1. Pour the filling into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the filling.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Your Tamale Pie Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are some serving ideas:

• Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans.
• Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips and Tricks

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the cornbread topping and proceed as directed.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: The assembled uncooked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Tamale Pie Casserole! Share your experience and any tweaks you made with us—we love hearing from you. For more mouth-watering recipes, be sure to explore other dishes on our [website/blog].

Happy cooking! 🚀