recent
Hot

Hearty Homestyle: Tamale Pie

Home

Hearty Homestyle: Tamale Pie offers all the flavors of traditional tamales in a comforting casserole. This dish features a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef (or a plant-based alternative) and vegetables, topped with a fluffy, golden layer of cornbread. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, bringing a satisfying, hearty meal to the table in under an hour.

Hearty Homestyle: Tamale Pie


Key Information:

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Number of servings: 6
  • Serving size: 1 slice (approx. 250g)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sodium: 850mg

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or plant-based ground meat)
  • 1 medium onion (120g), diced
  • 1 red bell pepper (120g), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (400g/14oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (400g/14oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (150g) corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese, optional)

For the Cornbread Topping:

  • 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
  • ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) plant-based milk (or regular milk)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream or vegan sour cream (optional)

Method of Preparation:

For the Filling:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or plant-based alternative) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Season and simmer: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using, stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese at this point for extra creaminess.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the filling mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

For the Cornbread Topping:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and egg (or flax egg). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Top the filling: Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the beef and vegetable filling in the casserole dish. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon.

Bake and Serve:

  1. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Garnish and enjoy: Remove the Tamale Pie from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream (or vegan sour cream). Serve warm.

Culinary Tips for Success:

  1. Customize your filling: You can add or substitute different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even green chilies for more variety.
  2. Don’t overmix the cornbread batter: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid tough or dense cornbread.
  3. Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, top it with the cornbread batter and pop it in the oven.
  4. Spice it up: If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or top with extra jalapeños.
  5. Freeze leftovers: Tamale Pie freezes well. Store individual portions in airtight containers and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the cornbread topping with a gluten-free flour blend or use a pre-made gluten-free cornbread mix.
  2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter option, though the flavor will be a bit different. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Can I make this without beans? If you're not a fan of beans, you can leave them out and increase the amount of beef or vegetables in the filling.
  4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  5. Can I make the cornbread topping vegan? Yes! Simply use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg, and ensure the plant-based milk and vegetable oil are used.

A Final Note

Hearty Homestyle: Tamale Pie is the ultimate comfort food, blending the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the warmth of a casserole. The combination of a savory, flavorful filling and a golden, fluffy cornbread topping makes this dish a winner at family dinners or potlucks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this tamale pie is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!


google-playkhamsatmostaqltradent