Tamale Pie
Ingredients
1 box JIFFY corn muffin mix
1 egg
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. creamed corn
1/3 c. red enchilada sauce
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1 lb. ground chuck
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c. Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
small handful cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
kosher salt
ground pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, mix together corn muffin mix, sour cream and egg. Pour into a large cast iron skillet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly in pan.
Make your taco meat.
Sauté onions over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper and spices and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and stir to break up meat. Season to taste and sauté until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Poke entire surface of cornbread with a fork. Pour enchilada sauce over the cornbread. Add the meat mixture and top with shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake until the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil until cheese begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Top with cilantro. Makes 8 Servings.
One tip that really elevates this Tamale Pie is using a cast iron skillet for baking the cornbread. The skillet creates a nice crispy crust on the bottom that adds great texture contrast to the savory meat and creamy cheese topping. When mixing the cornbread batter with sour cream and creamed corn, it adds extra moisture and subtle sweetness, which balances nicely with the spicy taco meat seasoned with cumin and chili powder. In my experience, allowing the cornbread to cool slightly before adding the meat mixture helps prevent it from becoming soggy. Poking holes in the surface of the cornbread ensures that the enchilada sauce soaks evenly, infusing flavor throughout the base. Covering the pie with foil while baking keeps the cheese from burning but melts it perfectly, and a final broil adds a delicious golden brown finish. You can customize this dish by adding chopped jalapeños or substituting ground turkey for a leaner option. For garnish, fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that complements the rich flavors. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy as leftovers for several days. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. This Tamale Pie combines classic Tex-Mex flavors with the convenience of a one-dish dinner, making it a family favorite that’s sure to impress.