Classic Beef Tamale Pie
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, spicy chili seasoning, and a buttery cornmeal crust for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef Savory and seasoned
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package taco seasoning Adjust to taste
Cornmeal Crust
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) For topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and taco seasoning. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the beef mixture simmers, in a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, baking powder, and water. Mix until combined, but don’t overmix.
Assembling
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased baking dish, then pour the cornmeal batter over the top.
- Sprinkle cheese over the cornmeal layer, and top with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm!
Notes
For extra kick, consider adjusting the spice level with chopped jalapeños. To make it vegetarian, replace the beef with lentils or additional black beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.