Texas Tamale Pie Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a delicious blend of Tex-Mex flavors and comforting casserole goodness that makes it a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Bursting with savory ground beef, spicy jalapeños, and a cornbread topping, this dish is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through every step to create a satisfying meal.
A Personal Story Behind My Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Journey
Growing up in Texas, I was always surrounded by the rich flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. My family would often gather around the table to enjoy hearty meals, and one of my favorites was the Texan Tamale Pie. This dish reminded me of family gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of home. Now, I want to share my take on this classic dish with you, so you can create your own memories around the dinner table.
What Makes This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe Special?
What sets this Texas Tamale Pie Casserole apart is its unique combination of flavors and textures. The ground beef provides a savory base, while the addition of jalapeños adds a delightful kick. The cornbread topping gives it a unique twist that you won’t find in traditional tamale recipes. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can add your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it your own!
The Full Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 cup Onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1-2 Jalapeno Peppers, diced
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 cups Red Salsa
- 1 10-ounce can Enchilada Sauce
- 1 15-ounce can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can Corn, drained
- 2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 2 Eggs
- 2/3 cup Milk
- Sour Cream (for garnish)
- Chopped Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo (for garnish)
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Guacamole (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a sauté pan, cook the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cornbread dense.
- Add the chipotle chili powder, paprika, salt, cumin, and black pepper to the cooked beef mixture, stirring well to incorporate all the spices.
- Stir in the red salsa, enchilada sauce, rinsed black beans, and drained corn into the beef mixture until everything is well combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.
- Spoon the cornbread mix over the beef mixture, spreading it out gently to cover the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo, cilantro, and guacamole.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. For an extra layer of flavor, top it with sliced jalapeños or additional chopped onions. You can also customize the dish by adding different beans or veggies, or by using turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter separately, then assemble the casserole just before baking. This is a great option for busy weeknights.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
For added flavor, consider topping with sliced jalapeños or chopped onions.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 380
- Servings: 8
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan Greased with cooking spray.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 cup Onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 each Jalapeno Peppers, diced
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 cups Red Salsa
- 10 ounces Enchilada Sauce
- 15 ounces Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces Corn, drained
- 2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 2 each Eggs
- 2.67 cups Milk
- 1 cup Sour Cream for garnish
- 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo for garnish
- 1 cup Cilantro for garnish
- 1 cup Guacamole for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a sauté pan, cook the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cornbread dense.
- Add the chipotle chili powder, paprika, salt, cumin, and black pepper to the cooked beef mixture, stirring well to incorporate all the spices.
- Stir in the red salsa, enchilada sauce, rinsed black beans, and drained corn into the beef mixture until everything is well combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.
- Spoon the cornbread mix over the beef mixture, spreading it out gently to cover the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo, cilantro, and guacamole.