Tamale Pie 

Tamale Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and sweet corn, all topped with a golden, cornbread crust. It’s a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, making it a family favorite for any dinner table. The dish is versatile and easy to make, so you can experiment with different toppings or use ground turkey for a lighter version. It’s an excellent option for meal prepping, and it also freezes well for later. If you like a bit more spice, add some extra chili powder or jalapeños to the filling for an added kick. 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cornmeal Topping:

• 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.

   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

   • Stir in the diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, sweet corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.

3. Prepare the Cornmeal Topping:

   • In a separate bowl, mix the masa harina and chicken broth until smooth.

   • Pour the masa mixture over the meat and vegetable mix in the skillet. Stir well to combine.

4. Assemble the Pie:

   • Transfer the tamale filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Spread the masa mixture evenly over the top.

   • Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until melted.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the masa topping is golden and firm.

6. Serve:

   • Serve hot, topped with sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 1186mg