Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines the warmth of a home-cooked meal with the vibrant flavors of a fiesta. Enter Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie—a savory, cheesy delight that combines the essence of tamales while being incredibly simple to prepare. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy cornbread crust topped with zesty black beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese, creating a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors.

What’s more? This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, sharing hearty laughter and stories over a meal. It offers that same satisfaction as my blog’s other popular recipes, like the delightful Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, but with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for those side dishes’ days when you crave something comforting yet effortless!

What is Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie?

So, what exactly is Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie? Well, it might sound fancy, but really it’s just an inviting, layered dish that blends a luscious cornbread topping with a savory filling. Have you ever wondered how tamale pie got its name? Isn’t it a bit misleading, given it’s not really a tamale nor a pie in the traditional sense? But fear not! What it lacks in traditional form, it makes up for in taste and satisfaction. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish is surely a shortcut on that culinary journey! Ready to impress your family with this cheesy masterpiece? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up with minimal fuss, the Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is your new best friend! This dish is not only a hearty main course, but it’s also exceedingly budget-friendly, allowing you to create a filling meal without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable! Imagine carefully sprinkling on your favorite toppings—whether it’s a dollop of smooth sour cream, a splash of zesty salsa, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—each choice adds a layer of delight to your meal.

Isn’t it great to bring a little fiesta to the dinner table without even leaving your kitchen? If you adore taco night, think of this as a more colorful take that’ll be a sure hit at dinner. Why not grab your ingredients and experience the joy of Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie?

How to Make Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie

Quick Overview

Making the Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is wonderfully simple. This dish combines texture and flavor in a way that will have you swooning with each bite. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time, with a total preparation time of just about 30 minutes! Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your very own Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie:

• 1 package cornbread mix (follow package instructions)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned)
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions in a bowl. It typically involves mixing the dry ingredients and adding water or milk.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, diced onions, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread this mixture evenly across the greased baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Pour the cornbread batter over the bean mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, letting it melt and bubble perfectly during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with your choice of toppings!

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie

• Substitutions: You can easily switch out the black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile. If you want to boost protein, feel free to add some cooked ground chicken or beef (ensuring it’s Halal).
• Timing: Keep an eye on the baking time; all ovens can differ! If you find your cheese browning too quickly, just cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Avoid common mistakes: Don’t skip draining and rinsing the black beans; this step removes excess sodium and ensures that your pie doesn’t end up too watery.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For an extra touch, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that top cheesy crust bubbling again.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated, this Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is sure to become a family favorite! Don’t hesitate—gather those ingredients and make this cheerful dish tonight!

Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie

A comforting dish combining fluffy cornbread, zesty black beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese for a delightful family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 package cornbread mix follow package instructions
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen or canned
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• to taste Salt
• to taste pepper

Optional Toppings

• to taste sour cream
• to taste salsa
• to taste cilantro

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions in a bowl.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, diced onions, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Spread this mixture evenly across the greased baking dish.
• Pour the cornbread batter over the bean mixture, ensuring it's evenly covered.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with your choice of toppings!

Notes

Substitutions: You can switch black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans. To boost protein, add cooked ground chicken or beef. If cheese browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil during baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Keyword Cheesy Dish, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Tamale Pie, Weeknight Dinner