Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most addictive, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the hearty flavors of Mexican cuisine with the ultimate comfort food experience. This Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is not just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that comes together in under an hour, packed with savory ground beef, black beans, and corn, all topped with a golden, perfectly baked cornbread crust that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your tamale pie bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the drained black beans, drained corn, and enchilada sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- In a greased 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish, spread the beef and bean mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the cornbread layer. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the tamale pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content or mixing in some chorizo for a spicy kick.
- Don't overmix the cornbread topping – this can lead to a tough, dense crust. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Want to make it healthier? Try using ground turkey instead of beef, or add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the beans and corn thoroughly to prevent your pie from becoming watery.
- For a crispy top, broil the pie for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish is incredibly versatile – feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
