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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

A layered Tex-Mex casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, and zesty tomatoes topped with golden cornbread crust and melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cornbread Topping
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion for 6 to 7 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft.
  3. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  4. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
  6. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
  7. Pour half of the cornmeal batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
  8. Spoon the beef mixture over the cornmeal layer, distributing evenly.
  9. Pour the remaining cornmeal batter over the beef layer and spread gently.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and sliced black olives over the top.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and set.
  12. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  13. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking so layers set properly
  • Simmer filling long enough to reduce excess liquid
  • Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
  • Use certified gluten-free cornmeal for gluten-free version