Tamale Pie is a delightful fusion of Southern and Mexican cuisine, combining the flavors and textures of two distinct culinary traditions into one savory dish. This pie has been enjoyed by many generations, with each family putting their unique spin on it. Here’s a step-by-step recipe variation that you can try at home.
To start with, you will need 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, a can of drained corn kernels (15 oz), a can of black beans (15 oz) rinsed and drained, a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), half cup tomato sauce and some seasoning: chili powder (2 tablespoons), cumin (1 teaspoon), salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned then drain off any excess fat. Add in the onions, bell peppers and garlic to sauté for about five minutes until they are softened.
Next add in your corn kernels along with the black beans followed by diced tomatoes along with their juice and finally stir in the tomato sauce. Season this mixture generously with chili powder followed by cumin then add salt and pepper to taste.
Let this simmer for about ten minutes so that all these wonderful flavors meld together beautifully creating an irresistible filling for your tamale pie. While this is cooking away prepare your cornbread topping using either homemade or store-bought mix as per instructions on its package but reduce water quantity slightly so that batter is thick enough to spread over filling without sinking in.
Once both components are ready pour filling into greased baking dish spreading it evenly across bottom before gently spooning dollops of cornbread batter on top covering as much surface area as possible but don’t worry if some peek through – those spots will just get extra crispy!
Bake uncovered for about twenty-five to thirty minutes until cornbread is golden brown and filling bubbling around edges. Let it cool slightly before serving so that flavors have time to settle and pie holds its shape better when cut into.
This Tamale Pie recipe variation is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s packed with protein from the ground meat and beans, while the cornbread topping adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory filling. You can also customize this recipe based on your preferences – add more vegetables, use different types of beans, or spice it up with some jalapenos. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy making this delicious fusion dish in your kitchen today.
