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Best Tamale Pie

Best Tamale Pie

Hearty beef & bean chili under golden, cheesy cornbread — the easiest way to get tamale flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • Chili Filling:
  • 1½ lbs 680 g ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans or pinto beans, drained
  • 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
  • 1 cup 240 ml beef broth or beer
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp each cumin + smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano · salt & pepper
  • 1 cup frozen corn optional but classic
  • Cornbread Topping:
  • 1 cup 160 g yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup 130 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup 240 ml buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup 75 g melted butter
  • ¼ cup 50 g sugar or honey
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ cups 150 g shredded cheddar or Mexican blend (divided)
  • For Serving:
  • Sour cream cilantro, jalapeños, lime

Instructions
 

  • Brown beef filling in skillet → simmer thick.
  • Mix cornbread batter with cheese.
  • Spread batter over hot filling → top with cheese.
  • Bake 400 °F 25–30 min → broil for crispy top.
  • Rest 10 min → serve loaded.

Notes

  • Thick filling = perfect cornbread rise
  • Cast iron = best crispy edges
  • Freezes & reheats beautifully
  • Day 2 leftovers = even better
  • Vegetarian version with beans + mushrooms = elite