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Easy Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

A close-up of two golden-brown slices of tamale pie showing the thick cornbread top and savory filling.

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Make this hearty, cheesy Texas Tamale Pie Casserole for a satisfying weeknight dinner or family gathering. It combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn under a simple, golden cornbread topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces) mild red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 package (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning mix into the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, and enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. In a medium bowl, prepare the corn muffin mix according to the package directions, substituting the liquid ingredients with 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 large egg. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef layer in the baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the cornbread topping.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the tamale pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Serve this comfort food casserole with sour cream, salsa, or sliced avocado for extra flavor.
  • You can prepare the beef filling up to one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to eat.
  • For a spicier dish, use hot enchilada sauce or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

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