Texas Tamale Pie
A deliciously hearty dish with a crispy cornmeal crust cradling savory layers of seasoned meat, beans, and spices, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken (Halal-certified)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added is fine)
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef or chicken, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal and vegetable broth. Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency that resembles a thick batter.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the meat and bean mixture evenly at the bottom. Pour the cornmeal mixture over the top, gently spreading it out to cover the filling.
Baking
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- After removing it from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Return it to the oven just for another 5 minutes for the cheese to melt beautifully.
Serving
- Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version. Ensure your ingredients are prepped before you start cooking for a smoother process. Allow the pie to cool before slicing to help the layers hold together better.