Tamale Pie is a warm, filling casserole that makes a delicious dish for a family dinner or a potluck. Here’s how to make Tamale Pie.
Serve this tamale pie with a side of Spanish rice and tortilla chips with our favorite homemade salsa or this delicious chicken enchilada dip.
Easy Tamale Pie
My grandma used to make a Mexican casserole with the same flavors as this tamale pie and it was one of my favorite childhood meals. But unlike other versions of this recipe that I have tried and made for my own family, this easy tamale pie recipe requires very little prep work.
My kids love it. My husband loves it. And I love that I found another recipe that doesn’t get moans and groans from my family when I serve it for dinner! Everyone wins!
What Is Tamale Pie?
Tamale pie is a classic casserole made with juicy ground beef, cheese, salsa, and corn. It is baked under a soft layer of cornbread and served with a dollop of sour cream. It is a delicious and hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes without any fuss!
How To Make Tamale Pie
INGREDIENTS –
- ground beef
- corn
- Jiffy cornbread mix
- salsa
- shredded cheddar cheese
- optional add-ins – black olives, onions, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, black beans, green chiles, and jalapenos
DIRECTIONS –
- BROWN YOUR BEEF. Brown your ground beef in a large skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Drain the excess grease and rinse.
- MIX + HEAT. Add the corn, cheese, and any other add-ins, and mix until combined.
- PREP. Pour the mixture into a casserole pan/ baking dish and then sprinkle a little more cheese over the top.
- MIX THE CORNBREAD BATTER. In a separate bowl, make the cornbread mix according to the package and then spread it evenly over the top of the beef mixture
- BAKE. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the oven or until the cornbread is a golden brown
Tips For Making Tamale Pie
- If you want to add a little spice to this dish, dice a few jalapenos and mix it in with the rest of the ingredients
- If you like sweeter cornbread, use this delicious cornbread recipe. (It’s easy to make and tastes AMAZING!)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to 1 week.
Can I Freeze Tamale Pie?
Yes! This is one of my favorite freezer meals to make and save for a crazy day. When you’re ready to use it, place it in your refrigerator over night. Don’t leave it on your counter to thaw, because bacteria can begin to grow once it gets warmer.
More Easy Mexican Recipes
If you loved this easy recipe you’ll love one of these other Mexican dinner ideas:
- Easy Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
- Baked Bean Burritos
- Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
- Albondigas Soup Recipe
- Easy Enchilada Sauce
Best Tamale Pie Recipe
Now that you’ve seen just how simple this recipe is to make, it’s your turn! Leave us a comment below or tag us on social media to let us know how it turned out and what other ingredients you may have added. We love seeing what you’ve been up to in the kitchen!
Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can corn, undrained (or you can use 2 cups of frozen corn and 1/4 cup of water)
- 2 boxes corn muffin mix, + ingredients listed on the box
- 16 oz salsa, 14-16 oz
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- *Feel free to add whatever else you like- olives, green onions, diced tomatoes etc.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Rinse and drain.
- Add the corn and salsa to the beef- mix until combined.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 13 x 9 casserole pan.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix the corn muffin mix according to the package directions. Spread the batter evenly on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Video
Nutrition
Other Notes
ENJOY!
I haven’t had this in my years, looks great!
This came out amazing! I used just 1 can of corn and used a 16 oz jar of Newman own black bean and corn salsa. It was delicious!! My whole family loved it!!
So glad you guys loved it!
Why do you use TWO cans of corn in the video but list only ONE can in the ingredients list. I want to make this but do t want the fla or off from too little or too much of the corn.
You can use either. I usually use 2 cans, but 1 will work too!
The recipe has the oven temp at 350 and then 375 which is correct? Also I have never rinsed the ground beef after draing it is that correct ?
Good catch! It’s 375. 🙂 You don’t have to rinse the ground beef if you don’t want to. Sometimes it just helps to get the grease off the meat a little more.
Just a hint; buy the Black Bean and Corn Salsa in jar (use 2 cups); 1 lb. ground beef;
make cornbread from mix. Combine and top with cornbread mix. Add ripe olives
or any other additional ingredients you like. Top with grated cheese and bake until brown.
much simpler
Absolutely delicious! When I cooked the beef I added Goya Sazon (Latin seasoning) to give it that Mexican flare. Will definitely make again!
Great idea with the seasoning! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Best ever. Started making tacos and put so much cumin in the meat it reminded me of tamale pie. This recipe was the first I saw, and I had everything. I did add a can of black beans, rinsed and a little more salsa and 1/4 c water put in three 8×8 foil pans. We ate two and one for a friend recovering in a rest home. Thank you for such an easy, delicious recipe.
Thanks Kathi! I am so glad you like it! 🙂
I’ll be making a batch of meat to freeze. I use Simply Organic spices , besides cumin used their pepper mix and garlic herb with a heavy hand. It also reheated nicely As a different dish I put just meat, green salsa and pepper jack cheese together as a dip with chips. You’ve created a very versatile recipe!
Made this tonight and it was a huge hit! It was just was I was craving too! Easy to make and delicious!
I am glad you love it! Thanks for stopping by!
We make this with chili too!! Super yum.
I LOVE that variation!!! SO good!
Made with vegan Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles! It was delicious!
Making tonight;)
We make one like this that is very similar and it is a favorite at our house!!
This stuff is so good!