Go Back

Tamale Pie

A simple and healthy Tamale Pie featuring a cornmeal crust and a savory filling of lean meat and beans, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use lean meat for a healthier option
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
For the Crust
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 2 cups water
For Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option
  • to taste salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground meat and onion until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in chili beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in cornmeal, reduce heat, and cook until thickened.
Assembly
  1. Spread half of the cornmeal mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  2. Spread the remaining cornmeal mixture over the top.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until set and golden.
  2. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and serve with a side salad.