Name: Texas Tamale Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that always manages to gather the family around the table with excitement, it’s Texas Tamale Pie. This dish captures the hearty, spicy essence of Tex-Mex comfort food, all baked into a golden, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole. With tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes with green chilies, and that essential cornmeal crust, each bite delivers layers of savory flavor and just a touch of heat. Whether you’re craving weeknight comfort or looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together, Texas Tamale Pie brings the bold spirit of classic Southwestern cuisine right to your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Texas Tamale Pie shines brightest when made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s adding flavor, richness, or a pop of color, so don’t skip any if you can help it!

Ground beef: The savory base gives the dish heartiness and enhances every layer.
Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, making the filling aromatic and well-rounded.
Black beans (drained and rinsed): For a creamy, protein-packed texture and a little bit of earthiness.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Bring tang and gentle heat, infusing everything with classic Tex-Mex flavor.
Chili powder: The essential spice in Texas Tamale Pie, giving the dish warmth without overwhelming heat.
Cumin: Adds a hint of smokiness that ties all the flavors together.
Garlic powder: Delivers background savoriness without fuss.
Salt: Heightens and balances every bite.
Black pepper: For a subtle kick and aromatic finish.
Cornmeal: The golden key to that tamale-like crust, offering rustic, slightly sweet flavor.
Milk: Lends moisture and tenderness to the cornmeal topping.
Egg: Binds the cornmeal layer, ensuring a perfect set and slice.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For that bubbly, melty blanket and extra richness on top.
Sliced black olives (optional): Add briny pops of flavor and visual appeal to the finished pie.
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): The final flourish of freshness and color.

How to Make Texas Tamale Pie

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. A hot oven ensures that the cornmeal topping sets beautifully and that the whole Texas Tamale Pie bakes up golden and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat so your pie doesn’t get greasy.

Step 3: Infuse with Flavor

Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on low for 5 minutes. You’ll notice the filling getting thicker and oh-so-aromatic at this stage—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Mix the Cornmeal Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg. Stir until you have a smooth, pourable batter. The mixture should be thick, but not dry. This will become the tamale-inspired base and top of your Texas Tamale Pie.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in half of the cornmeal mixture and spread it evenly to form the bottom crust. This helps anchor all those savory fillings and gives you that satisfying, cohesive slice.

Step 6: Layer Up the Goodness

Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the cornmeal base. Then, pour the rest of the cornmeal mixture over the top, gently spreading it to cover every bit of filling. This creates the signature double-layered look and texture of a classic Texas Tamale Pie.

Step 7: Cheese, Olives, and Oven Time!

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, followed by the sliced black olives if you like a briny kick. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set to the touch.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Once baked, let your Texas Tamale Pie cool for at least 10 minutes. This helps everything set up for clean slicing. Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Texas Tamale Pie

Garnishes

A handful of fresh cilantro is classic, but you can easily amp things up with sliced scallions, a dollop of sour cream, or a scattering of chopped tomatoes. The fresh garnishes brighten up the hearty flavors of Texas Tamale Pie and add a restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or classic Mexican rice. For something a bit more indulgent, consider corn on the cob or a bowl of creamy guacamole—the perfect cooling contrast to the warm spices of your Texas Tamale Pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight dinners, serve the pie straight from the baking dish for a cozy family vibe. For a party, try slicing Texas Tamale Pie into neat squares and topping each with mini dollops of sour cream and a sprig of cilantro. You can even bake the mixture in individual ramekins for personalized portions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Texas Tamale Pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and develop as it sits, making seconds just as delicious as the first serving.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for another night, freeze cooled slices in airtight containers or wrap the whole casserole dish well. It will keep beautifully for up to two months. Just remember to label and date your package for easy meal planning.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen pie overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. A sprinkle of fresh cheese or cilantro right before serving brings it back to life!

FAQs

Can I make Texas Tamale Pie with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you’re looking for a lighter twist. Just be sure to season generously and maybe add a splash of olive oil if your poultry is very lean. The flavors still come through bold and delicious.

How spicy is Texas Tamale Pie?

It’s got a gentle kick thanks to the green chilies and chili powder, but it’s definitely family-friendly. If you like things spicier, add some diced jalapeños or a bit more chili powder. For less spice, use mild tomatoes and skip the chilies.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The main culprit for gluten would be the cornmeal—just make sure you’re using a gluten-free certified brand, and you’re good to go. All other ingredients in Texas Tamale Pie are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prep Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?

For super easy dinners, you can assemble the pie up to the point of baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bring it out, let it come to room temp for a bit, and bake as directed. It’s a great make-ahead option!

What’s the best way to slice and serve Texas Tamale Pie?

Letting your pie cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps the layers firm up, making it much easier to cut neat squares. Use a sharp knife and a spatula for clean slices, and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s comforting, easy, and absolutely bursting with bold flavors, don’t hesitate to make Texas Tamale Pie. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly feels like a celebration, whether it’s a casual family night or a lively weekend meal with friends. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale in pie form. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the beef mixture: Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix the cornmeal layer: In a bowl, combine cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
Assemble the pie: Grease a baking dish and layer cornmeal mixture, beef mixture, remaining cornmeal mixture, cheese, and olives.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
Rest and garnish: Cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex