Name: Texas Tamale Pie: Discover the Flavorful Recipe Now!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sliced black olives (optional); ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this tamale pie because it’s a complete meal in one dish—protein, veggies, and carbs all layered and baked together. It’s loaded with bold flavors from chili powder, cumin, and tomatoes with green chilies, and the cornmeal topping gets beautifully golden and cheesy in the oven. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to customize to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup milk
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to get it ready.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. Then I drain off any extra fat.
I stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I let it all simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.
In a separate bowl, I mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg until the batter is smooth and well combined.
I pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
I spoon the beef mixture over the cornmeal layer, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top to cover.
I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives (if using) across the top.
I bake it for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and set. Then I let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Just before serving, I garnish it with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings and takes about 50 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or for making leftovers to enjoy later.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, I substitute the ground beef with a sautéed mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
I add sliced jalapeños before baking if I want more heat.
A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce makes a great topping.
I sometimes use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
To make it gluten-free, I just double-check that the cornmeal and canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I use the microwave for quick portions or the oven to keep the texture of the topping intact. It also freezes well—perfect for making ahead.

FAQs

Can I make this tamale pie ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the pie up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level from the tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder. If I want it milder, I use plain diced tomatoes. For more heat, I add jalapeños or hot sauce.

What can I serve with tamale pie?

It’s great on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad to lighten things up.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, I’ve made it with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter or vegetarian twist.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

I look for a golden brown top and make sure the cornmeal layer is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Texas Tamale Pie is one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s easy to make, loaded with Tex-Mex flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving something hearty and homemade, this tamale pie hits the spot every single time.