The Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Tex-Mex comfort food. This recipe is incredibly useful for busy weeknights or when you crave a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss, offering a delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors reminiscent of tamales but in an easily assembled casserole format.
Key Ingredients for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (8.5 ounce) box Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole recipe is a weeknight hero, offering a delicious and satisfying experience with minimal effort. Its simplicity is its superpower, making it accessible even for novice cooks. You’ll be impressed by the rich, layered flavors and the comforting texture that comes from the tender ground beef filling topped with a fluffy cornbread crust. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for baking, totaling around 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Savory Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Flavorful Base
Add the undrained diced tomatoes, undrained Rotel, drained corn, and enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the simmering meat and vegetable mixture into an ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
In a medium bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix according to package directions, typically by adding egg and milk (check your Jiffy box for specific liquid amounts).
Step 5: Top and Bake
Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish. Try to cover the entire surface to create a uniform crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The filling should be bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, remove the Texas Tamale Pie Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
You’ll absolutely adore this Texas Tamale Pie Casserole for its comforting, homestyle appeal and incredible versatility. The star of the show is undeniably the satisfying combination of a rich, savory ground beef and vegetable filling nestled beneath a fluffy, golden cornbread crust, offering a delightful textural contrast that’s incredibly pleasing. Making this yourself is a fantastic way to save money compared to eating out, especially when feeding the whole family a hearty and delicious meal.
The vibrant flavors, enhanced by ingredients like Rotel and enchilada sauce, give it a wonderfully zesty kick, making it a stand-out dish that’s far more exciting than a simple pasta bake. If you’ve ever enjoyed tamales, you’ll find this casserole offers a similar comforting flavor profile in an easily assembled format. So, gather your ingredients and give this delightful Texas Tamale Pie Casserole a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying leftover Texas Tamale Pie Casserole. Once the casserole has cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerated, this casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can either pop individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze portions or the entire casserole. Wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen Texas Tamale Pie Casserole can be kept for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering bold Tex-Mex flavors in a comforting and easy-to-make package. Give it a try for your next family dinner – it’s sure to become a new favorite!
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