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Delicious Texas Tamale Pie served hot with toppings

Texas Tamale Pie

A hearty and comforting dish featuring a buttery cornmeal crust filled with seasoned beef, beans, and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 pound ground beef Use high-quality beef for better flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the crust and topping
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese High-quality cheese recommended.
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the black beans and diced tomatoes, along with the spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
Assembly
  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  3. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal mixture, then spread the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
  4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and olives on top before baking.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and set.
  2. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Make this dish ahead of time and reheat for a quick meal. Feel free to swap the beef for lentils for a vegetarian option.