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The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Texas Tamale Pie

A close-up of a hearty slice of tamale pie with a golden cornbread top and savory beef and corn filling.
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Make this hearty Texas Tamale Pie for a satisfying, one-dish dinner. It combines seasoned ground beef, corn, and black beans under a cheesy cornbread crust for classic Tex-Mex comfort.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix (prepare according to package directions for a standard 8x8 inch pan)
  • 1/2 cup milk (for cornbread mix)
  • 1 egg (for cornbread mix)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning, black beans, Rotel, and corn into the beef mixture. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  4. Stir 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat filling. Spread the filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Prepare the cornbread batter according to the package directions, using the specified amount of milk and egg.
  6. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat filling layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the batter.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the Tamale Pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Serve this comfort food casserole with sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
  • For a quicker option, you can use a store-bought, pre-made cornbread mix as directed.
  • This recipe is freezer-friendly; assemble the layers, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/easy-weeknight-texas-tamale-pie/