Craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dinner? Then look no further than this El Corral Tamale Pie recipe! Inspired by the classic southwestern flavors, this dish takes the best parts of tamales and transforms them into a hearty, baked delight perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. Forget complicated cooking – this recipe is packed with deliciousness and simplicity, making it a winner for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Simmer the flavors: Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Assemble the pie: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the frozen corn over the top. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before dolloping with sour cream or crema and sprinkling with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect El Corral Tamale Pie:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your liking. A dash of smoked paprika adds another layer of smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian chorizo for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Make it ahead: The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before baking.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This El Corral Tamale Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s a delicious example of easy recipes and healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor. Enjoy!