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Easy Texas Tamale Pie with Ground Beef

A spatula lifts a thick, layered slice of tamale pie, showing the cornbread top and savory meat filling.
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Make this simple, hearty ground beef Tamale Pie casserole with a quick cornbread topping for a satisfying weeknight Tex-Mex dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 package (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
  • Ingredients required for corn muffin mix (usually 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the tomato sauce, black beans, Ro-Tel, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this meat mixture into the prepared pie plate or baking dish.
  5. Prepare the cornbread topping according to the package directions, substituting the required liquid with milk or water as directed.
  6. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat filling.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread topping.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the Tamale Pie cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier flavor, use the hot variety of Ro-Tel or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
  • You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling and baking.
  • If you prefer a softer topping, you can skip sprinkling the cheese on top until the last 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/easy-tamale-pie-texas-casserole-recipe/