Divine Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie: A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite
Experience the irresistible flavors of the Southwest with this mouthwatering Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie. Bursting with savory ground beef, sweet corn, zesty enchilada sauce, and a cheesy cornbread topping, this dish is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or craving a hearty meal for the family, this tamale pie is sure to be a hit. Get ready to spice up your dinner routine and indulge in a fiesta of flavor with every bite of this delicious dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s address some common queries about this delectable Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie:
Q: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn kernels? A: Yes, canned corn can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh corn kernels in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the dish.
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef for a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this tamale pie? A: Yes, you can create a vegetarian version of this tamale pie by omitting the ground beef and doubling the amount of corn kernels or adding cooked beans such as black beans or pinto beans for protein.
Q: Can I make this tamale pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the tamale pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Now, let’s gather our ingredients and dive into the fiesta of flavors awaiting us.
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- Cilantro, chopped, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare Cornbread Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, corn kernels, and milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Set aside.
3. Cook Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Season Ground Beef
- Add the chili powder, salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder to the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Layer Ingredients
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the ground beef, spreading it out to cover the meat.
6. Add Cheese and Cornbread Topping
- Sprinkle the grated Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the enchilada sauce.
- Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the cheese layer, covering it completely.
7. Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the tamale pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added heat, you can add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
- Feel free to customize the filling with additional ingredients such as black beans, diced bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and texture.
Keto Version:
- To make a keto-friendly version of this tamale pie, you can use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the cornbread topping. Substitute the corn kernels with diced bell peppers or jalapeños for added flavor and texture. Use a keto-friendly enchilada sauce or make your own using tomato sauce, spices, and a keto-approved sweetener. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version substitutions mentioned above, but you can also reduce the amount of cornmeal or omit it altogether to lower the carb content further.
In conclusion, Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. With its savory ground beef filling, zesty enchilada sauce, and comforting cornbread topping, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a flavorful fiesta with this delicious tamale pie recipe. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or enjoying leftovers for lunch tomorrow, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting warmth of this Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie!