This easy Tamale Pie has quickly become one of my family favorites for a budget friendly dinner that’s oven ready in less than 15 minutes. The flavorful ground beef filling is made with 5 simple ingredients and topped with a buttery masa harina crust for a comforting Southwestern style casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!
What is Tamale Pie?
Where or how this dish was created is a little bit of a mystery. Some say that it can be traced back to the 1950s. At a time when home cooks began experimenting with ways to adapt traditional tamales into an “easier to prepare” casserole inspired by the layers of cottage pie. Sounds like a logical beginning, but some written recipes can be dated back to the early 1900’s!
Regardless of its exact origin, there are many modern versions of this all in one dish that represents a blend of the original flavors and this one is my favorite by far!
What You’ll Need:
Lean Ground Beef- I use 2 pounds of 93/7 ground beef, if you use one that has a higher percentage of fat you will need to drain the fat after cooking and before adding the remaining ingredients.
Taco Seasoning- I use 3 tablespoons of my homemade mix, but you can use any 1 ounce package of pre-made taco seasoning.
Tomato Sauce
Salsa- I use a homemade restaurant-style salsa or fresh chipotle salsa, but any salsa that you love the taste of will work great.
Diced Green Chilies- a 4 ounce can of diced green chilies.
Masa Harina Flour- There are several available at my local grocery store, quality and added ingredients can vary and I prefer the flavor of any masa harina flour that only has corn treated with lime.
Butter– I most often use unsalted and you will want it melted, if using salted you can skip the added salt. but I haven’t noticed much of a difference using either one and keeping the salt.
Broth– Vegetable, chicken, or beef broth works. I add as much as needed, it may depend on a few factors so if you need more to get that smooth spreadable consistency, don’t be afraid to add more as needed.
3 Quart Casserole Dish or Cast Iron Skillet
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Tamale Pie is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty brunch. You can pair this savory pie with a variety of sides or toppings or make a variation!
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: Don’t have ground beef? Try one of these. You can even swap out the red tomato based salsa for a salsa verde.
- Cheese Bake: Love cheese? Add a layer of shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack over the meat filling before adding the masa. Bake as normal.
- Go for the Salad: Pair the richness of the pie with a light and refreshing salad, such as a mixed greens salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted vegetables: Complement the pie with a mixture of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a nutritious side dish.
- Steamed Corn on the Cob: Adds a burst of sweetness, another healthy side to have with your tamale pie.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: A side of fluffy cilantro-lime rice provides a delightful contrast in textures and tastes, perfectly complementing the Tamale Pie’s hearty fillings.
- Refried Beans: For a touch of hearty goodness, refried beans offer a protein-rich complement to the Tamale Pie, adding depth and a slightly smoky flavor.
- Sour cream or guacamole: Add a touch of zing and freshness with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Freezing & Reheating
Tamale Pie is a freezer-friendly dish that allows you to enjoy its deliciousness later. Here’s a simple guide to freezing Tamale Pie for meal prepping:
- Cool Completely: Allow the Tamale Pie to cool completely before freezing.
- Portion and Wrap: Cut the Tamale Pie into individual servings or larger portions for family meals. Wrap each portion tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Freeze in an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped Tamale Pie portions in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Freeze: Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy your frozen Tamale Pie, follow these simple reheating instructions:
- Thaw Overnight: For optimal results, thaw the Tamale Pie overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the thawed Tamale Pie to a baking dish.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent over drying.
- Bake until Heated Through: Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the Tamale Pie is heated through and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the foil and serve with your favorite sides.
Looking for more dinner recipes? Check these out!
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Shredded Beef Chili
Easy One Pot White Chicken Chili
Mississippi Pot Roast Chili: 2 Ways
If you try this Tamale Pie or any of my other recipes, comment & rate below.
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Tamale Pie
Equipment
- 1 3 Quart Casserole Dish
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
Beef Filling:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef, 93/7
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, or 1 ounce packet
- 4 ounces tomato sauce, canned
- 1/2 cup salsa, homemade or store-bought
- 4 ounces diced green chilies, canned
Masa Topping:
- 2 cups masa harina flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2-2 1/2 cups chicken broth, use as much broth as needed.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce and green chilies. Remove from heat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the masa harina flour, salt, baking powder. Pour in the melted butter, and about 1 cup of the broth. Stir well and add more broth as needed to make a thick spreadable batter (up to about 2-1/2 cups)
- Add the cooked beef to a greased casserole dish and "press" it in. Spoon the batter on top of the beef and spread it out evenly on top.
- Bake on the middle rack for 35-40 minutes. Serve with sides and toppings of your choice.
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