Gluten Free Tamale Pie-Two Ways
Gluten Free Tamale Pie-Two Ways
Tamale Pie as a kid was always a treat, but the jig was up once I was an adult! It's just Chili with corn bread on top! As a parent, this is heaven to my ears! Super easy, super fast, super healthy, and super comfort food. This was in my drafts from winter (that happens sometimes), but this is great for summer because you can hide zucchini and tomatoes from the garden in the chili, add jalapenos and cilantro from the garden to the cornbread, and don't forget a hot honey drizzle on top!
Beef Tamale Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb Grass-fed ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 TB garlic minced (jarlic)
- 1 can of corn, rinsed
- 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can of pinto beans rinsed
- Chili seasoning or taco seasoning (pretty much the same)
- 1 TB garlic powder
- 1 TB onion powder
- 1 TB chili powder
- 1 TB cumin
- 1 TB dried oregano
- 1 TB each salt and pepper
- 1 box gluten-free cornbread mix made however you prefer (I add butter and lactose milk) @krusteez
Chicken Tamale Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or 3 cups leftover cooked chicken (I'm using leftover rotisserie)
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 TB garlic minced (jarlic)
- 1 can of corn, rinsed
- 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can of pinto beans rinsed
- Chili seasoning or taco seasoning (pretty much the same)
- 1 TB garlic powder
- 1 TB onion powder
- 1 TB chili powder
- 1 TB cumin
- 1 TB dried oregano
- 1 TB each salt and pepper
- 1 box gluten-free cornbread mix made however you prefer (I add butter and lactose milk)@pamelas
Preheat the oven according to your cornbread package.
If you have a cast-iron pan, you’ll want to use that tonight. If not, get an oven-safe pan. Let’s make this a one-pan meal! Add onion and garlic to Brown your meat or chicken (heat up rotisserie chicken). Once the meat is cooked, add the veggies, beans, and seasoning, and let them simmer at least ten to fifteen minutes while you mix up the cornbread mix. Pour the cornbread mix over the top of the chili and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (time on back of box for largest pan is about right for time)
Garnish with sour cream, green onions, or hot honey for a really tasty treat. We added some extra muffins and whipped honey.
Enjoy!
Xoxo
Aricka
#chicken
#castiron
#kidfriendly
Tamale pie is a comforting and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, especially for those following a gluten-free lifestyle. Both the beef and chicken versions outlined combine hearty proteins with nutritious vegetables and beans, all enveloped in a flavorful chili base seasoned with classic spices such as cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using a gluten-free cornbread mix like Krusteaz or Pamela's ensures that the topping is safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, while adding moisture and a satisfying texture. Incorporating fresh garden ingredients such as zucchini, tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro not only enhances the flavor but boosts the nutritional profile, adding vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for preparing this one-pan meal, as it promotes even cooking and browning of the cornbread topping. For those who do not have cast iron, any oven-safe pan will work to bake the tamale pie. To elevate the dish, garnishes such as sour cream, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of hot honey provide contrast and additional layers of flavor. This recipe is also great for using leftover rotisserie chicken or ground beef, offering convenience without sacrificing taste. Tamale pie is an excellent option for kid-friendly meals, and its versatility allows for easy customization—whether to increase the spice level with jalapenos or add smokiness with chipotle chili powder. The chili layer is rich in protein and fiber from the beans and meat, contributing to a balanced meal. By prepping in one pan and baking until the cornbread topping is perfectly golden, this gluten-free tamale pie becomes a quick, comforting, and nutritious choice for dinner any time of year. It exemplifies how traditional comfort foods can be adapted to modern dietary preferences without losing their soul-satisfying character.
