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golden tamale pie casserole with cornbread topping on white kitchen counter

Easy Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe

This easy tamale pie casserole brings all the comforting flavors of classic tamales into one simple, oven-baked dish. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, and cheesy cornbread topping, it’s the perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 465kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish Best for even baking and golden crust
  • 1 Large skillet Ideal for browning beef and making the filling
  • 2 Mixing bowls One for batter, one for prep
  • 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring filling evenly
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons Accurate ingredient measurement
  • 1 Oven thermometer Ensures correct baking temperature

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 2 pounds ground beef lean or regular
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) red enchilada sauce mild or hot
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles undrained
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed

For the Cornbread Topping

  • 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy cornbread mix or homemade batter
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • ⅓ cup milk adjust as needed
  • ½ cup corn optional
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Brown the beef and onions in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, and beans; simmer 5 minutes.
  • Transfer filling to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  • In a bowl, combine cornbread mix, egg, milk, corn, and cheese.
  • Spread batter over filling and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
  • Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream or jalapeños.

Notes

Let cool slightly before serving. Optional toppings include sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Nutrition

Serving: 280g | Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 940mg | Potassium: 720mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 4mg