Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with a recipe that's been secretly passed down through generations! This isn't just another Mexican-inspired dish – it's a hearty, soul-warming tamale pie that promises to transform your dinner table into a flavor explosion. Imagine a perfect blend of savory ground beef, rich beans, and a golden cornmeal topping that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, Aunt Lucille's Wanderers Tamale Pie is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines simplicity with irresistible taste!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Add drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cornmeal and water until smooth, creating a thick batter-like consistency.
- Transfer the beef and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cornmeal mixture over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the cornmeal layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the cornmeal topping is golden brown and set, and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Meat Matters: For the most flavorful results, use ground beef with a slight fat content (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) to ensure juicy, delicious meat.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to customize the spice level by adding extra chili powder or including diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend for unique flavor profiles.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- Perfect Cornmeal Topping: Whisk the cornmeal mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, even layer.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dish with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a side of fresh salsa.
- Leftover Love: This tamale pie reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
