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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a warm, hearty one-dish meal that combines a boldly spiced ground beef filling with a golden cornbread topping. This classic Southwestern-inspired casserole balances rich, savory flavors with a comforting texture, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Simple to prepare and highly customizable, it showcases the vibrant tastes of Texas cuisine in an easy, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cornbread Topping

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat filling: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and soft. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, coating the mixture with classic Southwestern flavors.
  2. Add tomato sauce and veggies: Pour in the tomato sauce and mix in frozen corn kernels. Let the filling simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly, creating a rich, savory base.
  3. Prepare the cornbread topping: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with milk and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. Pour the cornbread batter evenly on top, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
  • Don’t skip the simmer step as it intensifies the overall taste by melding tomato sauce and spices.
  • Ensure the cornbread batter is smoothed evenly for uniform baking and a perfect golden crust.
  • Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it set and cut cleanly without falling apart.
  • Add cheese inside and on top for rich, gooey layers that everyone will love.

Nutrition

Keywords: Texas Tamale Pie, Southwestern casserole, cornbread topped casserole, comfort food, Tex-Mex dish, one-dish meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/texas-tamale-pie-casserole/