Texas Tamale Pie – Get ready to indulge in a Tex-Mex delight that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Texas! Texas Tamale Pie is a mouthwatering combination of savory ground beef, zesty poblano peppers, sweet corn, and a delightful medley of spices, all layered between a cornbread crust and gooey cheese. This comforting and crowd-pleasing dish is a true celebration of Texan cuisine and is bound to become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones and embark on a culinary journey with this irresistible recipe!
I have to tell you about the incredible love affair my little family has developed with this Texas Tamale Pie. From the very first time I made it, it was an instant hit! Picture this: the aroma of sizzling ground beef mingling with the fragrant spices, the vibrant colors of diced poblano peppers and golden corn, all coming together in a harmonious dance of flavors. Each bite was pure bliss, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about it. It has since become a cherished tradition in our household, bringing us together around the dinner table with smiles and laughter. The combination of hearty beef, spicy peppers, and cheesy cornbread crust is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in our hearts.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try?
- Unique Tex-Mex Fusion: Texas Tamale Pie beautifully combines the best of Texan and Mexican flavors, resulting in a culinary masterpiece.
- Quality Ingredients: With lean ground beef, aromatic poblano peppers, sweet corn, and a medley of spices, this recipe guarantees a delightful explosion of tastes.
- Irresistible Cornbread Crust: The moist and slightly sweet cornbread crust adds the perfect balance to the savory filling, making each bite a delight.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: The generous layer of melted Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Family-Friendly: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Texas Tamale Pie is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (900g)
- 2 cups diced poblano peppers (about 2 peppers)
- 8 ounces frozen corn, thawed (225g)
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (Pace Picante is recommended for this dish)
- 1/2 (10 oz.) can red enchilada sauce
- 2 (8.5 ounce) boxes dry cornbread mix (Jiffy is preferred for this dish)
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 4 ounces shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese (115g)
- 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese (115g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Stir in the diced poblano peppers, corn, salt, salsa, oregano, enchilada sauce, and chipotle powder. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes, until the beef is crumbly and no longer pink. Don’t worry if it looks liquidy; the cornbread will soak up the flavors while baking.
In a large bowl, combine both packages of cornbread mix with the eggs, milk, and brown sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Spread half of the cornbread mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of both cheeses over the cornbread layer, then pour the beef mixture on top.
Spoon the remaining half of the cornbread mixture over the beef and carefully spread it with a spoon, leaving about half an inch from the edges of the pan. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and savor the irresistible flavors of Texas Tamale Pie!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional ingredients such as black beans, diced onions, or jalapeños for extra heat.
- If you prefer a milder version, you can use regular green bell peppers instead of poblano peppers.
- Serve this dish with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delightful garnish.
Texas Tamale Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavorful journey that captures the essence of Texan cuisine. With its tantalizing blend of spices, hearty ground beef, vibrant poblano peppers, and cheesy cornbread crust, this dish has the power to bring loved ones together and create lasting memories around the dinner table. The combination of traditional Tex-Mex flavors and a comforting, homemade touch makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
So, why wait? Embark on a culinary adventure and let Texas Tamale Pie take center stage at your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. With each bite, you’ll experience the boldness of Texas and the warmth of a home-cooked meal. Get ready to savor the rich flavors, indulge in the cheesy goodness, and embrace the joy that comes with sharing a delicious dish with the people you love. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let Texas Tamale Pie elevate your taste buds to new heights. It’s time to delight in the magic of Texas flavors, one unforgettable slice at a time.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, absolutely! Texas Tamale Pie can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Certainly! While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I freeze Texas Tamale Pie?
Absolutely! Texas Tamale Pie is freezer-friendly. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.
Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef 900g
- 2 cups diced poblano peppers about 2 peppers
- 8 ounces frozen corn thawed (225g)
- 1 16 ounce jar salsa (Pace Picante is recommended for this dish)
- 1/2 10 oz. can red enchilada sauce
- 2 8.5 ounce boxes dry cornbread mix (Jiffy is preferred for this dish)
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 4 ounces shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese 115g
- 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese 115g
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Stir in the diced poblano peppers, corn, salt, salsa, oregano, enchilada sauce, and chipotle powder. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes, until the beef is crumbly and no longer pink. Don't worry if it looks liquidy; the cornbread will soak up the flavors while baking.
- In a large bowl, combine both packages of cornbread mix with the eggs, milk, and brown sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Spread half of the cornbread mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of both cheeses over the cornbread layer, then pour the beef mixture on top.
- Spoon the remaining half of the cornbread mixture over the beef and carefully spread it with a spoon, leaving about half an inch from the edges of the pan. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and savor the irresistible flavors of Texas Tamale Pie!
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