This hearty Tamale Pie brings the best of Mexican flavors together in one cozy, comforting dish. Ready in just over an hour, this protein-packed recipe delivers 41g of protein per serving while keeping the authentic taste of traditional tamales.
The perfect blend of textures and seasonings creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. With straightforward prep time and hands-off baking, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s worth every minute of the wait.
Ingredients for Classic Tamale Pie
- Ground Beef: 1½ lbs lean beef, ideal for a juicy and flavorful base
- Base Vegetables: Yellow onion, creamed corn, and diced green chiles for authentic flavor
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, chili powder, coriander, and cumin for that perfect Mexican-inspired taste
- Sauce: 10 oz red enchilada sauce to bind everything together
- For Masa Topping: Masa harina, baking powder, chicken broth, milk, melted butter, and cheese
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and hot sauce for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Brown the beef in a deep skillet, breaking it into small pieces for even cooking
- Build Flavors: Add onions, seasonings, and sauté until fragrant and tender
- Create the Base: Mix in enchilada sauce, corn, chiles, and spices. Simmer for best flavor development
- Make Masa Topping: Combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, then mix in liquids and cheese until smooth
- Assemble: Pour the masa topping evenly over the meat mixture
- Bake to Perfection: Cook at 400°F for 40 minutes until golden and set
- Rest and Serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with your favorite toppings
Cooking Tips
Want the tastiest tamale pie? Brown your meat in small batches – don’t overcrowd the pan! This helps create those yummy browned bits that add loads of flavor. When you’re mixing the masa topping, keep it light and fluffy – think pancake batter consistency. If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to switch things up! Ground turkey works great instead of beef for a lighter version. Not a fan of spice? Use mild enchilada sauce and skip the green chiles.
You can also swap the yellow onion for red onion, or add a cup of black beans for extra protein. The cheese is flexible too – try pepper jack for more kick or Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor.
Serving Ideas
This cozy dish shines when served with fresh toppings! Try diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or pickled jalapeños alongside the suggested avocado and sour cream. A squeeze of lime adds bright flavor. Want to make it a feast? Serve with Mexican rice or a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Your tamale pie will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cover it well with foil or pop it in an airtight container. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
For the whole pie, heat it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot all the way through. The masa topping might be a bit softer when reheated, but it’ll still taste great!
Tamale Pie
Equipment
- 12-inch skillet or cast iron pan
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 whole yellow onion finely chopped
Masa Topping
- 1 1/2 cups Masa Harina corn flour
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a deep 12-inch skillet or cast iron pan, crumbling it into small pieces as it cooks, until browned.
- Add diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
