Best 10 Old School Tamale Pie Recipes

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Old school tamale pie is a flavorful and hearty dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. With its combination of savory ground beef, zesty cornbread filling, and creamy chili gravy, this classic comfort food is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the steps of creating a delicious old school tamale pie that will become a favorite in your household.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY OLD SCHOOL TAMALE PIE (WITHOUT JIFFY!)



Easy Old School Tamale Pie (Without Jiffy!) image

Made from scratch, yet quick and easy, Tamale Pie is an old school casserole with layers of seasoned beef or chicken, cornbread, and melted cheese.

Provided by Melissa Erdelac

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
4 tablespoons melted butter, (cooled)
1/3 cup milk
14.75 ounce can cream style corn
1 pound lean ground beef, (such as sirloin)
10 ounce can enchilada sauce, ((read label to make sure it's gluten free))
1 cup salsa
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 cups shredded colby jack cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF. Grease a cast iron skillet with butter or spray a pie plate, 11X7 pan, or 9X9 pan with cooking spray.
  • Whisk together cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add egg, melted butter, milk, and cream style corn. Whisk to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean and edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and decrease oven temperature to 375ºF.
  • Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cornbread surface. Pour 1/2 can enchilada sauce on top and spread evenly over cornbread. Set aside.
  • While cornbread is baking, begin to make filling. In a large skillet brown beef over medium high heat and drain, if necessary. To the browned beef stir in remaining enchilada sauce, salsa, and chili powder. Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Spread beef filling over cornbread. Top with cheese and return to 375ºF oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Serve with additional salsa, cilantro, sour cream, and sliced avocado.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 94 mg, Sodium 1086 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving

TAMALE PIE



Tamale Pie image

A flavorful Mexican-inspired ground beef and vegetable casserole is nestled under a crunchy-tender cornbread topping.

Provided by Katie Workman

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork (or another pound ground beef)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion (, chopped)
1 bell pepper (red, green, yellow or orange) (, seeded and chopped)
1 jalapeno (, seeded and chopped)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 can (28-ounce) diced or crushed tomatoes
½ cup less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels ((fresh, canned or frozen))
1 can (12-ounce) kidney or black beans (, drained and rinsed)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cornmeal
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons chopped scallions ((optional))
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (, melted)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 2 ½-quart casserole or a 12-inch ovenproof pan or skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Heat a large skillet (if you are planning to bake the Tamale Pie in a skillet, use the one you are planning to bake it in) over medium heat. Add the beef and pork (if using) and sauté stirring to break up any lumps, until the meat is browned. Turn the meat into a colander to drain.
  • Return the pan to the heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp tender. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and stir until you can smell the garlic, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, broth, corn, beans and the drained cooked meat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
  • While the mixture simmers, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix the milk, egg, scallions (if using) and butter together. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir just until they are barely combined.
  • If you are baking the casserole in a casserole pan, transfer the meat mixture to that casserole. Otherwise leave the mixture in the ovenproof pan. Sprinkle the cheese over the meat mixture. Spread the cornbread topping evenly over the cheese; it helps to dollop it on by rounded tablespoons, then use a knife or offset spatula to spread it out fairly evenly.
  • Bake the casserole until the top is lightly browned and set, about 25 minutes. Place the skillet on a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve the Tamale Pie hot or warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 570 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 29 g, Fat 37 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 131 mg, Sodium 945 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

EASY OLD-SCHOOL TAMALE PIE



Easy Old-School Tamale Pie image

This perennial family favorite starts on the stovetop with a rich, savory filling of ground beef, cheese, beans, onions, corn, and tomatoes, and finishes in the oven, topped with a buttery, baked polenta-style crust.

Provided by Renee

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet onion (chopped)
1½ cups corn kernels (canned, fresh, or frozen)
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
15 ounces black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
15 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
8 ounces tomato sauce
2¼ ounces olives (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
salt and pepper (to taste)
¾ cup fine yellow cornmeal
2 cups cold water
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Steps:

  • Heat a large, heavy, oven-safe skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH for 2-3 minutes. Add the corn and chopped onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes; until the onion is just beginning to turn translucent and some of the corn kernels are beginning to show a little color.
  • Add the ground meat, breaking it up into the corn and onion mixture.
  • Cook until the ground meat is thoroughly browned, and then add the beans and garlic to the mixture and cook for 2 minutes more.
  • Reduce the temperature to LOW, and add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped olives, and chili powder.
  • Stir thoroughly; then simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Note: This tamale pie filling can be made ahead up to this point and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To use, simply reheat in skillet and proceed to the next step.
  • Add 2 cups of grated cheese (2 ounces) to the mixture. Stir filling mixture to incorporate cheese.
  • Season to taste.
  • While the filling is simmering, make the topping.Pour the cold water, salt, and yellow cornmeal into a medium saucepan. Set the heat to MEDIUM-LOW, and cook, whisking almost constantly, until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of Cream of Wheat or grits.
  • Once thickened, remove the cornmeal mixture from the heat. Using a wooden spoon, stir in 1 cup of grated cheese, and two tablespoons each maple syrup and melted butter, until they are thoroughly combined.
  • Carefully spread the cornmeal mixture over the hot tamale pie filling. In a 12-inch skillet, the cornmeal layer will be about a half-inch thick.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F [190°C].
  • Place the prepared tamale pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. If you would like your tamale pie to be golden brown on the top, place it under the broiler for about 4 minutes. (Keep an eye on it: a broiler can take a dish from warm and caramelized to black and smoldering in just a few minutes.)
  • When you take it out of the oven, the top may be very loose. Don't worry! Allow the baked tamale pie to rest and cool for 20-30 minutes before eating. The polenta will thicken measurably as it cools.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, cotija cheese, and a little lime zest.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 492 kcal, Carbohydrate 44 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Sodium 692 mg, Fiber 8 g, Sugar 12 g, UnsaturatedFat 12 g

TAMALE PIE



Tamale Pie image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon corn oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85 percent lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups green or red enchilada sauce
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups self-rising cornmeal
2 1/2 to 3 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons corn oil
4 scallions, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Heat the oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, onions, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring and breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon, until the meat is brown and the onions are softened, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Stir in the enchilada sauce, beans, corn and cilantro and season with salt. Bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the cheese.
  • Add the cornmeal to a mixing bowl. Mix in the buttermilk and oil. You want the mixture to be thick but pourable. Stir in the scallions. Pour on top of the meat mixture in the skillet and spread in an even layer. Bake until the meat is bubbling and the cornbread is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

OLD-SCHOOL TAMALE PIE



Old-School Tamale Pie image

Delicious, old-school, comfort food, this tamale pie recipe is perfect for fall or winter nights.

Provided by Aymee

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 1h30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cornmeal
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon sour cream, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in the hot skillet until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
  • Stir tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, olives, chili powder, garlic, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper into the skillet. Bring to a low boil, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese and continue to simmer until melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • Heat milk, butter, sugar, and salt for topping in a large saucepan over medium heat until butter has melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cornmeal a little at a time, stirring vigorously with each addition, until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Drizzle in beaten eggs slowly, stirring vigorously until combined. Pour mixture over filling in the prepared dish, smoothing evenly over the surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Allow pie to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.2 calories, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, Cholesterol 96.6 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 20.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 709.8 mg, Sugar 5.6 g

OLD SCHOOL TAMALE PIE WITH THE BEST CORNBREAD TOPPING



Old School Tamale Pie with the Best Cornbread Topping image

This tamale pie is absolutely delicious and is packed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, onions, corn, black olives, tomatoes, cheese and topped with the best cornbread topping.

Provided by Great Grub, Delicious Treats

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 20

1½ pounds ground beef
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
15 ounce can corn (drained)
10 ounce can Rotel (drained)
3.8 ounce can sliced black olives (drained)
15 ounce can enchilada sauce
4 ounce diced green chilies
1½ cups Colby jack cheese
3 cups Marie Callender's cornbread mix
8 ounce sour cream
½ cup water
1 large egg
½ cup onions (chopped)
4 ounce can diced green chilies
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving, Calories 971 kcal, Carbohydrate 97 g, Protein 34 g, Fat 49 g, SaturatedFat 23 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Sodium 1923 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 61 g, UnsaturatedFat 21 g

GRANDMA'S TAMALE PIE



Grandma's Tamale Pie image

The best tamale pie. I have fond childhood memories of being out at the farm begging grandma to make tamale pie. Best served with a garden salad and some fresh bread.

Provided by princess of doom

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 (12 ounce) can corned beef
1 (6 ounce) can whole black olives, drained
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauce until soft, about 5 minutes. Add creamed corn, tomatoes with juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt; bring to a boil.
  • Stir in cornmeal, milk, and eggs; return to a boil. Cook until it thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Stir in corned beef, olives, and Monterey Jack cheese. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.9 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Cholesterol 95.2 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 1233.6 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

GRANDMA NEVILLE'S TAMALE PIE



Grandma Neville's Tamale Pie image

Make and share this Grandma Neville's Tamale Pie recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sisty Gin

Categories     Stew

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 lb ground beef
1 can tomatoes, chopped
1 can whole corn, and liquid
1 can ripe pitted olive, whole
1 can ripe pitted olive, chopped
1 can mushroom, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 cup cornmeal

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef with the onion, garlic, bell pepper, pepper, and salt.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to ground beef mixture.
  • Put in baking pan.
  • Bake 325-350 degrees for one hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 575.3, Fat 32.9, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 191.4, Sodium 1533.6, Carbohydrate 41, Fiber 7.5, Sugar 4.8, Protein 31.7

CALIFORNIA TAMALE PIE



California Tamale Pie image

When I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I'll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you'll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. -Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 6h15m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup beef broth
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: Sour cream and fresh jalapeno pepper slices

Steps:

  • In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine broth and cornmeal. Let stand for 5 minutes. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in the salsa, corn, beans and olives. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through., Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. If desired, top with sour cream and jalapeno slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 1112mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

LUNCHROOM TAMALE PIE



Lunchroom Tamale Pie image

This is one of those old recipes that tastes like the school lunchroom tamale pie. I always ate in the lunchroom on the day they served this. It is also one of the recipes that I just do, so prep time is an estimate only.

Provided by Miss Annie

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 9x13 inch casserole, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups cornmeal
2 cups cold water
4 cups boiling water
1 lb ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes, crushed
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
non-fat cooking spray
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Brown ground chuck.
  • Add onion, bell pepper, and cook until tender.
  • Add chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, 1 teaspoons.
  • salt and tomatoes.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes and keep warm.
  • Mix cornmeal with cold water.
  • Add boiling water and cook about 10 minutes, or until thick.
  • Add 1 teaspoons salt, stir well.
  • Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Use 2/3 of cornmeal mixture on bottom& sides of casserole dish.
  • Pour meat mixture into casserole dish.
  • Spread the remaining 1/3 of cornmeal mixture over meat mixture.
  • Dot with margarine.
  • Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your tamale pie a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include corn, black beans, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Don't overcook the meat. Overcooked meat will be tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through, about 10 minutes for ground beef.
  • Use a good quality chili sauce. The chili sauce is one of the key ingredients in tamale pie, so it's important to use a good one. Look for a chili sauce that is flavorful and has a bit of a kick.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese. Cheese is what makes tamale pie so delicious. Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack.
  • Bake the tamale pie until it is golden brown. This will give it a nice crust and help to hold it together.

Conclusion:

Tamale pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give tamale pie a try. You won't be disappointed!

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