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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, and corn topped with a golden cornbread crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole blends classic Tex-Mex spices with a cheesy, baked cornbread topping and optional fresh garnishes for added brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 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

Tomato and Spices

  • 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

Other Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
  4. Add Sauce and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
  5. Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, egg, and milk, mixing until just combined to form the batter without overmixing.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet, spreading it out but not all the way to the edges.
  7. Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top of the cornbread batter for a cheesy crust.
  8. Bake: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
  9. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
  10. Serve with Toppings: Add your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, or green onions to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Using a cast iron skillet allows you to cook and bake in the same pan, making cleanup easier.
  • Drain excess grease after browning beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • The cornbread topping shouldn’t be spread to the edges to help it rise and bake properly.
  • You can customize toppings based on your taste preferences for heat and freshness.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated.

Keywords: Texas Tamale Pie, Cornbread Casserole, Tex-Mex, Ground Beef Casserole, Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, Easy Family Dinner

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/texas-tamale-pie-casserole-recipe/