Tamale Pie Recipe Made With A Cornbread Crust

This Tamale pie recipe is bold and flavorful! Serve this alongside a Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad, or this Southwest Quinoa Bean Salad. You can finish off the meal with some classic Tres Leches Cake!

What is Tamale Pie?

Tamale pie is basically a casserole, or pan version, of a classic tamale. It’s perfect for serving larger numbers, either a large family or to take to any gathering or potluck. You poke the cornbread crust and drench it with enchilada sauce before topping it with ground beef or any toppings you choose. As this bakes, it gives the cornbread crust a moist, tender texture similar to the masa that surrounds tamales. This classic casserole recipe is a family favorite! The best part is that it uses a cornbread crust that mimics the texture of the masa in tamales. Once you try it, everyone will love it. It’s a dinner that your whole family will go crazy over.

Ingredients in Tamale Pie

These ingredients are simple and easy! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Jiffy Cornbread Mix: The cornbread mix will act as your pie crust. Egg: The egg binds the crust together Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a bit of tang and delicious creaminess to the base. Creamed Corn: I love adding an additional corn flavor to the cornbread! Ground Beef: You can also use ground turkey if you prefer. Seasonings: Chili powder, salt, ground cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder all mix together to make the most delicious and flavorful base of spices. Green Chilies: Depending on your desired heat level, you can get mild, medium, or spice green chiles. Red Enchilada Sauce: This seeps into the cornbread, making the whole dish flavorful. Monterey Jack Cheese: You can also use cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese.

How to Make Tamale Pie

To make this easy tamale pie recipe, make the cornbread crust, add the sauce, meat, and toppings, and you’ll have a delicious meal you’ll keep making over and over again.

Make Ahead of Time: To prepare this meal ahead of time, follow the directions for making the cornbread crust and the topping ingredients. Pre-bake the crust, then add the toppings. Cover with foil and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake for dinner. Before baking, set the casserole on the counter to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Then bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, or until the top is melted and the sauce is bubbling. To Freeze: If you want to freeze this tamale pie for a later date, follow the directions above for preparing the casserole ahead of time. Instead of storing it in the fridge, store the tamale pie in an airtight container in the freezer. If covering with foil, let it freezer for about an hour, then place the pie dish in a sealed freezer bag. You can store this for about 2-3 months. When you are ready to cook it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake according to the directions on the recipe card.