5 Ingredient Tamale Pie Recipe (2024)

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Tamale Pie is a warm, filling casserole that makes a delicious dish for a family dinner or a potluck. Here’s how to make Tamale Pie.

Serve this tamale pie with a side of Spanish rice and tortilla chips with our favorite homemade salsaor this delicious chicken enchilada dip.

Easy Tamale Pie

My grandma used to make a Mexican casserole with the same flavors as this tamale pie and itwas one of my favorite childhood meals. But unlike other versions of this recipe that I have tried and made for my own family, this easy tamale pie recipe requires very little prep work.

My kids love it. My husband loves it. And I love that I found another recipe that doesn’t get moans and groans from my family when I serve it for dinner! Everyone wins!

What Is Tamale Pie?

Tamale pie is a classic casserole made with juicy ground beef, cheese, salsa, and corn. It is baked under a soft layer of cornbread and served with a dollop of sour cream. It is a delicious and hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes without any fuss!

How To Make Tamale Pie

INGREDIENTS –

• ground beef
• corn
• Jiffy cornbread mix
• salsa
• shredded cheddar cheese
• optional add-ins – black olives,onions, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, black beans, green chiles, and jalapenos

DIRECTIONS –

1. BROWN YOUR BEEF. Brown your ground beef in a large skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Drain the excess grease and rinse.
2. MIX + HEAT. Add the corn, cheese, and any other add-ins, and mix until combined.
3. PREP. Pour the mixture into a casserole pan/ baking dish and then sprinkle a little more cheese over the top.
4. MIX THE CORNBREAD BATTER. In a separate bowl, make the cornbread mix according to the package and then spread it evenly over the top of the beef mixture
5. BAKE. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the oven or until the cornbread is a golden brown

Tips For Making Tamale Pie

• If you want to add a little spice to this dish, dice a few jalapenos and mix it in with the rest of the ingredients
• If you like sweeter cornbread, use this delicious cornbread recipe. (It’s easy to make and tastes AMAZING!)
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to 1 week.

Can I Freeze Tamale Pie?

Yes! This is one of my favorite freezer meals to make and save for a crazy day. When you’re ready to use it, place it in your refrigerator over night. Don’t leave it on your counter to thaw, because bacteria can begin to grow once it gets warmer.

More Easy Mexican Recipes

If you loved this easy recipe you’ll love one of these other Mexican dinner ideas:

• Easy Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
• Baked Bean Burritos
• Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
• Albondigas Soup Recipe
• Easy Enchilada Sauce

Best Tamale Pie Recipe

Now that you’ve seen just how simple this recipe is to make, it’s your turn! Leave us a comment below or tag us on social media to let us know how it turned out and what other ingredients you may have added. We love seeing what you’ve been up to in the kitchen!

ENJOY!