Tamale Pie

This Tamale Pie recipe features a savory ground beef filling that’s perfectly complemented by the sweet green chile cornbread topping. It’s sure to become a favorite one dish meal the whole family will love.

Easy Beef Tamale Pie Recipe

Busy days call for satisfying meals and simple preparation. This tamale casserole is the kind of dish I gravitate to on a busy weekday since the filling can be prepared in advance then topped with the green chile cornbread topping just before baking.

You can serve this casserole just as is, or topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream, sliced olives and pico de gallo for the crowning touch. I like to set out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their tamale pie to their liking. The savory taco filling and green chili cornbread topping makes for a delicious and stress-free weekday or game day fiesta.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make cornbread topped Beef Tamale Pie: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Beef – Lean ground beef forms the beefy layer.
• Oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking the beef, onion and bell pepper.
• Spices – One packet of taco seasoning gives this tamale pie its signature flavor.
• Onion, Garlic and Peppers – Sweet onion, garlic cloves and diced red bell pepper enhances the flavor of the hamburger.
• Tomatoes – Canned taco sauce, enchilada sauce or mild tomato sauce and Rotel tomatoes amp up the flavor.
• Corn – One can of Mexican corn seasoned with peppers or plain corn kernels.
• Cheese – Shredded colby jack cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
• Cornbread Crust Topping – Two boxes cornbread mix (i.e. Martha White, Jiffy Mix or similar) canned green chiles, buttermilk, large eggs.

How to Make the BEST Beef Tamale Pie Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare the Pan – Spray an oblong baking dish or large oven safe skillet with cookign spray.
• Sauté the Ground Beef Filling – Sauté the diced onion , red bell pepper, garlic and ground beef cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess grease fat from the pan.
• Add Tomatoes and Spices – Add the Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
• Mix-ins – Add the Mexican corn and cilantro. Mix well then pour into the baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
• Make Green Chili Cornbread Topping – Whisk together both packages of cornbread mix with the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and green chili peppers. Stir in ¾ cup Colby-Jack cheese. Spread cornbread batter evenly over the filling.
• Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until golden brown, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Tamale Pie

• 13×9-inch casserole dish or large oven safe skillet.
• Large bowl.
• Skillet.
• Balloon whisk.
• Cheese grater.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Chopping board and sharp knife.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Spice – The spice in the beef filling can be adjusted making it hot or mild based on your personal preference. Add dark chili powder, ancho chile powder or cayenne to amp up the heat.
• Cheese – You can use shredded pepper jack cheese or shredded sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe.
• Canned Tomatoes – You can use mild, medium or hot Rotel tomatoes depending on your preference. You could also replace the tomatoes with a thick salsa.
• Taco Sauce – You can use a can of tomato sauce for a milder flavor or enchilada sauce in place of taco sauce.
• Cornbread – You can use Martha White or Jiffy Mix for the topping.
• Beans – You could add black beans (well rinsed) or pinto beans (well drained) to the beef mixture.
• Peppers – You can swap the red bell pepper with jalapenos or poblano pepper for a little extra spice.
• Protein – You can use ground pork, ground turkey or ground chicken in this tamale pie.
• Corn – You can use canned corn (well drained) or frozen Mexican corn. When using frozen, it should be thawed prior to adding to the filling mixture.
• Toppings – Serve topped with shredded lettuce, guacamole, diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, sour cream and diced avocado.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store baked Tamale Pie covered with plastic wrap, foil or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated thru. You may need to lay a piece of foil on top to prevent overbrowning the cornbread.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Ground Beef Casseroles to Make

I just can’t help myself I simply adore casseroles. Not just any casserole, but ones like this ground beef filled tamale pie that combine some of our most favorite flavors into one mouthwatering meal. More casserole recipes to try:

• This Barbecue Beef Tater Tot Casserole is a one dish meal.
• Make it an Italian night with this Beef and Noodles Casserole
• Chili Macaroni perfect for casual meals and game day.
• This Stuffed Pepper Casserole features all of the flavors of stuffed peppers in casserole form.
• One pot Beef Goulash.
• Skillet Cowboy Rice Casserole is packed with flavor.
• Rich and hearty Barbecue Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
• Downhome Hamburger Potato Casserole.
• Hamburger Casserole from Spaceships and Laser Beams.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• Knives and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Baking Dish
• Kitchen Utensils