When was the last time a dish made you feel like you were wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket? If you’re searching for that cozy, satisfying experience, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie. With a crispy top layer balanced by layers of savory goodness, this dish marries the flavors of classic tamales with the ease of a casserole. While preparing for a cozy family gathering, my family first tried this recipe on a winter evening, and the smiles around the table were evidence that we had struck gold. It reminds me of my popular Enchilada Bake recipe—both are packed with flavor and loved by all ages!
What is Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie?
Curious about the name “Tamale Pie”? Does this delightful dish resemble a traditional tamale, or is it simply a cozy mess of deliciousness piled high? Whatever it’s called, what I do know is that it’s a surefire hit! They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and with this Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie, that saying rings true! Imagine serving this scrumptious dish at a family dinner, and everyone raving about the cheesy goodness. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie
There are so many reasons to adore Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie! First and foremost, it can easily serve as a main dish for any meal. You’ll be the star of your family gatherings with this deliciousness on the table! Secondly, it’s a cost-saving marvel. Whipping this up at home means you won’t be splurging on takeout, all while enjoying a fulfilling meal with your loved ones. Finally, you can top this dish with whatever your heart desires—fresh cilantro, zesty salsa, or even a dollop of sour cream! Think of it as a more exciting version of chili, which is perfect for those chilly evenings. So, let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie
Quick Overview
This Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is a breeze to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. With its crispy top and rich filling, dinner will be a hit in about 30 minutes of prep time! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to bring all these components together.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of cornmeal mix
- 1 can of refried beans
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup of corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups of water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is essential for that delicious, golden crust!
- Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal mix, 2 cups of water, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of salt. Stir until it’s well combined and smooth. The cornmeal mix adds a delightful texture that mimics a tamale’s tamale.
- Layer the Bottom: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, pour half of the cornmeal mixture as the base. This is what holds the rest of the delicious layers in.
- Add the Refried Beans: Spread the can of refried beans evenly over the cornmeal base. The refried beans add creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the cornmeal.
- Tomatoes and Corn Addition: Layer the diced tomatoes and corn on top of the beans. Don’t forget to include the juices from the tomatoes; they will help unify the flavors.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese over the tomatoes and corn. Cheese makes everything better, right?
- Top It Off: Pour the remaining cornmeal mixture over the cheese layer, carefully smoothing it out. Finally, add the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake It: Place your tamale pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Can you smell that? Your kitchen will be filled with the most tantalizing aromas!
- Let It Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to firm up a bit before cutting. Serve it warm, and watch those smiles appear!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want to spice things up, consider swapping the canned corn for diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a little heat.
- Timing: Make sure to follow the baking time closely so you don’t overcook or undercook the pie.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid using fresh tomatoes if you want to keep it simple. Canned tomatoes have all the flavor and moisture you need!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is perfect for leftovers! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even freeze leftovers, which will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through, keeping that cheesy goodness intact.
This Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings families together. It’s quick, cost-effective, and endlessly customizable. So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie
Ingredients
For the Cornmeal Mixture
- 1 package cornmeal mix
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste dash Salt
For the Fillings
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal mix, 2 cups of water, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of salt until well combined and smooth.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour half of the cornmeal mixture as the base.
Layering
- Spread the refried beans evenly over the cornmeal base.
- Layer the diced tomatoes and corn on top of the beans, including the juices.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the tomatoes and corn.
- Pour the remaining cornmeal mixture over the cheese layer and smooth it out.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to firm up before cutting.
- Serve warm.
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