Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further than this delicious tamale pie recipe! This twist on a classic combines the hearty goodness of a traditional tamale with the simplicity of a pie, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly quick and easy, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this amazing homemade dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
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 Masa Topping:
- 2 cups Maseca instant corn masa harina
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or unsweetened almond milk work well)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
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.
- Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Masa Topping:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, chicken broth, milk, egg, melted butter, and baking powder until smooth. The batter will be slightly thick.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the meat filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the masa batter evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
Let the tamale pie rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado. This healthy meal is delicious on its own or alongside a simple side salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tamale Pie:
- Don't overmix the masa batter: Overmixing can result in a tough topping. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust the spices to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh onions and garlic will enhance the flavor of your tamale pie.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Tamale Pie: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Chicken Tamale Pie: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Tamale Pie: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the filling for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis. Generally expect a moderate calorie count with a good source of protein and fiber.
This easy tamale pie recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!