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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired comfort dish made with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a golden cornbread topping. This easy tamale pie is perfect for dinner ideas with ground beef and makes a satisfying, family-friendly meal. With bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s one of the best casserole recipes for dinner when you need something warm, filling, and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Beef Filling:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • For the Cornbread Topping:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  6. Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef layer.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor.
Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.