Tamale Pie with Cornbread Topping is a hearty, one-pan dish that combines a rich, spiced meat filling with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. This recipe is inspired by traditional tamales — a beloved Latin American dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with meats and chilies — but it simplifies the process into an easy, comforting casserole-style bake.
The result is a meal that’s packed with flavor and texture: a savory, spicy beef and bean base topped with fluffy, golden cornbread that soaks up all the delicious juices underneath. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish is satisfying, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it captures everything I adore about comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and made to share. The spicy-sweet combination of the meaty filling with the cornbread topping feels cozy and wholesome. It’s also a complete meal in one dish — protein, vegetables, and carbs, all perfectly balanced.
Plus, it’s highly customizable — you can make it with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even keep it vegetarian. Every time I bake it, my kitchen smells amazing, and the first spoonful is pure comfort.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it’s:
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves its warm, homey flavors.
- Easy to make: Uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep.
- Perfect for meal prep: Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
- Balanced: Combines protein, fiber, and whole grains in one dish.
- Versatile: Customizable for spice level, ingredients, or dietary needs.
If you’re craving something comforting, bold, and soul-satisfying — this is it.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
Cuisine
Tex-Mex / American Comfort Food
Course
Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for tanginess)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
Simple Cooking Directions
- Prepare the savory meat and bean filling.
- Spread it evenly in a baking dish.
- Whisk together cornbread batter and pour it over the filling.
- Bake until the top is golden and the filling bubbles underneath.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and jalapeño; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, and all seasonings.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in shredded cheese (if using).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve warm straight from the baking dish.
Garnish with:
- A dollop of sour cream
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
- A drizzle of hot sauce or salsa
Pair with:
- A side of avocado slices or guacamole
- A crisp green salad
- A refreshing lime soda or iced tea
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix the cornbread batter — it should be light and fluffy.
- Add extra spice with cayenne or chipotle powder.
- For a richer filling, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream before baking.
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing for neat portions.
- Double the recipe for meal prep — it freezes beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils or more beans and vegetables.
- Chicken Tamale Pie: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
- Cheesy Tamale Pie: Add a layer of cheese between the filling and cornbread.
- Mexican Street Corn Twist: Add cotija cheese, lime zest, and a sprinkle of chili powder on top.
- Spicy Tex-Mex: Add chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese in the batter.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in portions or as a whole dish for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Conclusion
The Tamale Pie with Cornbread Topping is the ultimate comfort casserole — warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It brings together rich spices, tender meat, creamy beans, and a fluffy golden crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or craving something cozy and filling, this recipe delivers every single time.
Tamale Pie with Cornbread Topping
Description
Tamale Pie with Cornbread Topping is a hearty, one-pan dish that combines a rich, spiced meat filling with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. This recipe is inspired by traditional tamales — a beloved Latin American dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with meats and chilies — but it simplifies the process into an easy, comforting casserole-style bake.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
For the Cornbread Topping:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in diced bell pepper and jalapeño; cook for another 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, and all seasonings. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in shredded cheese (if using). Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Topping : In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
-
Step 3: Assemble and Bake : Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Smooth the top gently with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
