Quick Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie Recipe with Beef, Corn, and Cheese from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tamale pie is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale with the ease of a casserole. This Quick Tamale Pie recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

History

The origins of tamale pie are a bit murky, but it is believed to have been created in the United States as a way to enjoy the flavors of tamales in a simpler and quicker format. This dish has since become a popular comfort food in many households.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) beef
1 chopped onion
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 (12 oz (340 g)) can of Mexican corn, drained
0.5 cup of chili sauce
1 tsp of prepared mustard
2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of salt
pepper to taste
1 package of corn muffin mix
0.5 cup of cheese

How to prepare

Brown the beef and onions in margarine.
Drain the excess liquid.
Stir in the corn, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and transfer to a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish.
Prepare the corn muffin mix according to the package instructions and stir in 0.5 cup of cheese.
Layer the cornbread mix on top and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and browned.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add black beans, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the excess liquid from the beef and onions to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or salsa.

- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tamale pie with a side of Mexican rice, a green salad, or some fresh salsa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful tamale pie is to make sure the cornbread topping is cooked through and golden brown. Keep an eye on the dish while it bakes to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have corn muffin mix on hand, you can make your own by combining cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread topping ahead of time and assemble the dish right before baking. This is a great time-saving option for busy days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tamale pie with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Quick Tamale Pie contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Quick Tamale Pie recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this dish provides around 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 25 grams of protein per serving, this tamale pie is a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this Quick Tamale Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Quick Tamale Pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With a flavorful beef filling and a cheesy cornbread topping, this tamale pie is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Quick Tamale Pie. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha for our weekly bridge game. As we sat around the table chatting and sipping on iced tea, Martha suddenly got up and disappeared into the kitchen. Curious, I followed her and found her busy at work, mixing together a delicious-looking concoction of cornbread, ground beef, and cheese.

"What's that you're making, Martha?" I asked, intrigued by the mouth-watering aroma that wafted through the air.

"Oh, this is just a little something I whipped up for lunch," Martha replied with a smile. "It's my recipe for Quick Tamale Pie. Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and took a seat at the kitchen table as Martha dished out generous portions of the steaming hot pie. With the first bite, I was hooked. The savory beef mixture, topped with a fluffy layer of cornbread and melted cheese, was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

"Martha, this is incredible! You have to give me the recipe," I exclaimed, already envisioning myself making this delectable dish for my own family.

Martha chuckled at my enthusiasm and handed me a handwritten recipe card. As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I realized just how simple and easy it was to make Quick Tamale Pie. I made a mental note to gather the ingredients on my next grocery shopping trip and try my hand at recreating this delicious meal.

Over the next few days, I eagerly put Martha's recipe to the test. I browned the ground beef with onions and garlic, seasoned it with chili powder and cumin, and mixed it with a can of diced tomatoes and corn. I whipped up a quick cornbread batter and spread it over the beef mixture before topping it all off with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese.

As the pie baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. When I finally pulled the golden-brown pie out of the oven and served it to my family, their eyes lit up with delight. The Quick Tamale Pie was a hit, and I knew then and there that it would become a staple in our household.

As the years went by, I continued to make Quick Tamale Pie for my family and friends, each time adding my own little twist or variation to the recipe. Sometimes I would swap out the beef for ground turkey, or add a can of black beans for extra protein. Other times, I would throw in some jalapenos or bell peppers for a spicy kick.

I also shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, passing it on to my children and grandchildren, as well as neighbors and coworkers. It became my go-to dish for potlucks and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds.

But no matter how many times I made Quick Tamale Pie, it always brought me back to that warm summer day at Martha's house, where I first discovered the magic of this simple yet delicious recipe. It was a reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones that come together effortlessly, with just a handful of ingredients and a whole lot of love.

So here's to Martha and her Quick Tamale Pie, a timeless recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart and on my dinner table. And who knows, maybe one day my own grandchildren will be sitting around a kitchen table, savoring this beloved dish and creating memories of their own. Until then, I'll continue to cook up a storm and share the joy of good food with everyone I meet. Bon appétit!