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Carnitas Tamale Pie Recipe

Carnitas Tamale Pie Recipe
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Carnitas Tamale Pie is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender slow-cooked pork carnitas layered under a slightly sweet, golden cornbread topping. This recipe blends savory, spicy, and sweet elements perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, offering an easy-to-make dish that delivers rich flavors and delightful textures with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded carnitas (slow-cooked pork shoulder)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup broth or stock (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)

Cornbread Topping Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornbread mix (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/3 cup milk (or as directed on cornbread mix)
  • 1 egg (or as directed on cornbread mix)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (cilantro or chives, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carnitas Filling: Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add the shredded carnitas, diced green chiles, canned corn, and the spice blend (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika). Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Add broth or stock gradually if the filling seems too thick or dry.
  2. Mix the Cornbread Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. For extra flavor, gently fold in shredded cheese and fresh herbs if using. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
  3. Assemble the Pie: Grease a baking dish and spread the warm carnitas filling evenly across the bottom. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top, gently spreading it to cover the filling completely without mixing the layers.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled tamale pie for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and make slicing easier.

Notes

  • Use fresh carnitas made from pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Don’t overmix the cornbread batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
  • Keep filling and topping in separate layers for distinct texture and flavor contrasts.
  • Garnish with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole for added brightness and creaminess.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: carnitas, tamale pie, cornbread, Mexican casserole, pork shoulder, comfort food, one-dish meal, family dinner, potluck

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/carnitas-tamale-pie-recipe/