Are you in search of a dish that combines bold flavors with simple preparation? Look no further than Texas Tamale Pie Casserole! This delightful casserole is perfect for families or anyone who craves hearty comfort food. With its seasoned ground beef, creamy black beans, sweet corn, and a fluffy cornbread crust, it effortlessly combines rich Tex-Mex flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fantastic option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The beauty of Texas Tamale Pie Casserole lies in its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner solution, meal prep ideas, or even freezer-friendly options, this dish is a game-changer. Just pop it in the oven, and in under 40 minutes, you’ll have a mouth-watering dish ready to serve. Top it with your favorite condiments like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or cilantro, and it becomes an instant crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
- It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect balance of hearty ingredients, with seasoned beef and flavorful beans.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or alternative proteins.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the flavorful world of Texas Tamale Pie Casserole, it’s important to prep your kitchen and gather the right tools. First, ensure you have a good quality cast iron skillet, which not only can be used for cooking but goes straight into the oven for baking. This not only adds flavor but also helps in achieving a crispy cornbread crust.
You’ll also need basic kitchen utensils: a knife for chopping, a mixing bowl for the cornbread batter, and measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to bake as soon as you’re done assembling your casserole. Lastly, gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go, ensuring a smooth cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8.5 ounces Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 large egg
- 0.33 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced or pickled jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
To start, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that golden, crusty top we all love in a good cornbread.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In your cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish, releasing delicious aromas in the kitchen.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the meat until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess grease, as this will help keep your casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 4: Mix in the Goodness
Once your beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste and canned tomato sauce. Then add the drained black beans, corn, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with the milk and egg. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough. You want it to be light and fluffy!
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the beef and bean mixture in the skillet. Spread it evenly, but avoid reaching the edges, as the cornbread will expand during baking.
Step 7: Cheese It Up
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the skillet in your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. You want the cornbread to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown color.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Step 10: Serve with Your Favorites
Before serving, add a generous dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro on top if desired. These toppings not only enhance the dish visually but also elevate the flavor profile with freshness and tang!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian dish, use a meat substitute or increase black beans and corn.
- Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different seasonings such as cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked salt for an earthy flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the beef is fully browned before adding other ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
- If using a glass dish instead of a cast iron skillet, adjust cooking times for even baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a wholesome meal.
- Serve with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
- Dress with sliced avocados and lime wedges for extra flavor.
Tips
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- If you’re short on time, opt for pre-cooked meat options or canned beans to speed up the process.
- Feel free to top with your favorite salsa or guacamole for a delightful twist.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cornbread topping before baking when you’re ready to eat!
What if I don’t have Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix?
You can use any cornbread mix available or make your cornbread batter from scratch using cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I freeze the cooked casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavors that transport you right to the heart of Texas. With its mix of baked cornbread and a savory beef filling, it’s a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re indulging in a solo dinner or serving guests, this casserole is as satisfying as it is simple. Don’t hesitate to try out different toppings or variations to find your favorite twist. Share your thoughts, variations, or any questions you have in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Print
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavors that transport you right to the heart of Texas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8.5 ounces Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 large egg
- 0.33 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced or pickled jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
- To start, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that golden, crusty top we all love in a good cornbread.
- In your cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish, releasing delicious aromas in the kitchen.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the meat until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess grease, as this will help keep your casserole from becoming too oily.
- Once your beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste and canned tomato sauce. Then add the drained black beans, corn, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with the milk and egg. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough. You want it to be light and fluffy!
- Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the beef and bean mixture in the skillet. Spread it evenly, but avoid reaching the edges, as the cornbread will expand during baking.
- If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
- Place the skillet in your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. You want the cornbread to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut into portions.
- Before serving, add a generous dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro on top if desired. These toppings not only enhance the dish visually but also elevate the flavor profile with freshness and tang!
Notes
Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g