Original Tamale Pie Recipe
This tamale pie recipe is about to become a new easy, family favorite! This tamale pie has it all with its layer of saucy, boldly seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and cheese crowned with a velvety, cheese infused masa crust. It’s hearty old-school, budget friendly comfort food that’s quick and easy to make with pantry friendly ingredients, plus it can be easily customized to suite your tastes. This tamale pie recipe is also make ahead and freezer friendly; it can be made in one 9x13 pan or two skillets so you can enjoy one now and freeze one for later!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray one 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions, and red bell pepper and cook until beef is cooked through and onions are softened. Season with beef bouillon and all seasoning. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, tomato paste and beef broth and stir until well combined. Heat over medium heat to warm through then stir in cheese; set aside.
Topping: Whisk together all the dry ingredients (masa harina, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg and chicken broth until combined, then mix that into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir in the melted butter followed by cheese.
Assemble: Remove 1/2 cup of the masa batter and stir it into the filling then transfer the filling into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Transfer the remaining masa batter to the 9x13 and evenly spread over the filling. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Note that the topping may not look cooked so make sure to check it anyway with a toothpick; tamale pie is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the masa topping comes out clean. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, tomatoes, avocados, etc.
