Southwest Fiesta Tamale Pie

Right then, let's dive into this southwest fiesta tamale pie malarkey, shall we? ever had one of those days where you just need something seriously comforting? you know, the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out? well, this tamale pie is exactly that.

It's like a proper mexican shepherd's pie, but instead of a potato topping, you've got this golden, sweet cornbread crust.

Absolutely top-notch.

What's the Story Behind This Tamale Pie, Then?

Honestly, the exact origin of mexican tamale pie is a bit murky. think of it as an anglicized version of proper tamales.

You know, it has similar flavors but chucked into a casserole dish. it's easier than making actual tamales! this version is a medium effort gig – give or take 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish, feeding about 6-8 hungry souls.

Southwest Fiesta Tamale Pie Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can corn, drained (or frozen corn, thawed)
• 1 (14.5 ounce/410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack), for topping (optional)

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in bell pepper, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Add beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, and oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don't overmix!).
• Pour the filling into the oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the filling.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:5-7g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southwestern

Why You'll be Absolutely Smitten With This Tamale Pie

One of the best bits? this tamale pie is sneaky good for you. the kidney beans are packed with fibre and protein, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

Plus, it's a brilliant way to sneak some extra veggies into the family's diet. perfect for a casual sunday lunch or even a mid-week pick-me-up.

It's really special because you have two layers that give different textures but the same mexican profile.

Right, so, now you’re probably thinking, “Alright, spill the beans! What do I need?" Let’s get to those ingredients. The Tamales Pie Recipe is just around the corner.

Right then, let's dive into what you need to whip up this southwest fiesta tamale pie : comfort food with a kick! you know, that mexican tamale pie goodness we've all been craving.

Honestly, it's easier than you think! we are gonna create something like a beef tamale casserole today, so brace yourself.

Getting Your Gear Sorted

This isn't rocket science, love, but you do need a few bits and bobs to make this Tamale Pie sing. Don't worry, nothing too fancy.

Main Players

Let's get to the heart of this Tamales Pie Recipe . These are the stars, so pay attention.

• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Essential for sautéing.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 cup (150g) .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Gotta have that aroma.
• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . 80/20 is good, or lean if you're feeling virtuous.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped. Around 1 cup (150g) .
• Kidney Beans: 1 can (15 ounce/425g) , rinsed.
• Corn: 1 can (15 ounce/425g) , drained. Or use frozen.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce/410g) , undrained.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
• Flour: 1 cup (120g) . All-purpose will do.
• Yellow Cornmeal: 1 cup (120g) .
• Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) .
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp . For that lovely rise.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 tsp .
• Salt: 1/4 tsp .
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . Or milk with lemon juice – see the tricks.
• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Or melted butter, if you're feeling posh.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup , shredded (optional).

Spice It Up!

Now, for the flavor bombs ! These really make it a proper Texas Tamale Pie Recipe .

• Chili Powder: 2 tbsp . This is a cornerstone of many Texas Tamale Pie recipes.
• Ground Cumin: 1 tsp . Warm and earthy.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp . Adds a lovely smokiness.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional). For that extra kick. Honestly, a little goes a long way!

Pro Tip: If you don't have chili powder, mix paprika, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It's a fair substitution .

Essential Kit

Right, let's talk tools. This Easy Tamale Pie ain't gonna make itself, y'know.

• Large Skillet: For cooking the filling.
• Oven-Safe Skillet or Casserole Dish: 9-inch (23cm) . Cast iron is ideal, but anything oven-safe works.
• Mixing Bowls: For the cornbread.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obviously.

See? Nothing too scary. With the ingredients listed, it's time for you to make the best Jiffy Cornbread Tamale Pie Recipe !

Let's make something wonderful together.

Right then, let's talk tamale pie . it's basically like a mexican hug in a dish. i like to think of it as a delicious combination of the south and your grandma's best casserole.

This recipe? it’s all about that southwest fiesta tamale pie , right? forget those fancy meals; we're diving into comfort food territory with a kick!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Best Mate

Honestly, the secret to a stress-free tamale pie experience (or any cooking, really) is getting your mise en place sorted.

Chop your onion (about 1 cup), mince your garlic, measure out your spices. get everything ready before you even think about turning on the hob.

You know? it saves so much aggro later. for the texas tamale pie variations, i make sure to get my chipotle powder out early, because honestly there is no texas without a lil bit of spice.

Let's Get Cookin': Tamale Pie Step-by-Step

Okay, here's how we build this Beef Tamale Casserole :

1. First, brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet. Drain that fat! Nobody wants a greasy Tamale Pie .
2. Add 1 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook till softened. It smells amazing, right?
3. Stir in 1 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans (drained), 1 (15 ounce) can of corn (drained), and 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained).
4. Season with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy with those spices!
5. Simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
6. Meanwhile, mix up your cornbread topping. It is as easy as whisking together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, 1 lightly beaten egg, 1 cup buttermilk, and ¼ cup of oil or melted butter.
7. Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish and spread the cornbread batter on top.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown. Optional: sprinkle with cheese!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Tamale Pie Perfection

Honestly, i always make extra filling. it's cracking with a jacket potato the next day. and speaking of next day, the tamale pie recipe works perfectly to make it a day ahead.

Just assemble and bake when you're ready. want a super easy tamale pie ? i tell you what, i often use pre-made cornbread mix, like a jiffy cornbread tamale pie recipe it's a real time-saver! also, don’t overmix the cornbread batter.

You want a light, fluffy top, not a brick.

Okay, darlings, let’s talk tamale pie ! after slaving away at this mexican tamale pie recipe, i've got some notes for ya.

Think of this as the "between us girls" kinda chat, alright?

Recipe Notes: Making the Best Tamale Pie

Serving It Up: Plating and Presentation

Listen, we eat with our eyes first, right? so, when you're serving up this hot tamale pie , don’t just plop it on a plate.

I like to let it cool slightly, then cut a nice, generous square. a sprinkle of fresh cilantro is always a winner, adding a pop of colour and freshness.

A dollop of sour cream? oh my gosh , yes, please!

Sides? Honestly, a simple green salad is perfect – something to cut through the richness. A bit of Mexican rice on the side is lovely as well.

And if you're feeling extra , a margarita is the perfect accompaniment. You know, because it’s always cocktail o'clock somewhere .

Storage Shenanigans: Keeping Your Tamale Pie Fresh

Okay, so you've made this amazing Texas Tamale Pie and have leftovers? Lucky you! Here's the lowdown on keeping it scrummy.

Refrigeration is key. Once it's cooled down, wrap it up tight or pop it into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing? Absolutely! Cut the Beef Tamale Casserole into individual portions, wrap them well (cling film then foil is my go-to), and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating? No worries! Oven's best for that golden crust – about 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust might lose its crispness.

Variations: Tamale Pie Your Way

This recipe is just a starting point, darling! Let's make it your own.

Feeling veggie? Swap the beef for lentils or black beans. Seriously tasty and a great way to get your protein.

Got fussy eaters? Ditch the cayenne pepper for a milder Easy Tamale Pie . You can always add a dash of hot sauce at the table for those who like a kick.

Or you can try with Texas Tamale Pie Recipe style; add olives or a little green pepper to the mixture.

And for all my gluten-free friends, there are tons of cornmeal options for Tamales Pie Recipe which you can use to create this recipe with Tamales Pie .

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty: Is Tamale Pie Healthy?

Right, let's be honest. this isn’t exactly a kale smoothie, is it? but it's got beans, corn, and tomatoes, so there's some goodness in there.

It provides a good balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, but like all recipes, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Go on, Give it a Go!

Honestly, don't be scared to give this jiffy cornbread tamale pie recipe a whirl. even if you're not a pro, this recipe is pretty forgiving.

Get in the kitchen, have some fun, and enjoy the process. you'll end up with a hearty, comforting meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.