Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that will have your family begging for seconds! Sandra Lee's Tamale Pie is the perfect fusion of hearty ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and a golden cornbread topping that promises to become an instant classic in your recipe collection. Imagine a one-dish wonder that combines the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the comfort of home-style cooking – this is more than just a meal, it's a culinary experience that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package of cornbread mix
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking the tamale pie.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the corn kernels and black beans, mixing well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves mixing the cornbread mix with water or milk and an egg, if required.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the prepared cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the cornbread layer, ensuring it's well-distributed.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the tamale pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve the tamale pie warm, garnished with additional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, use fresh garlic and consider using a blend of ground beef with a slightly higher fat content to keep the meat extra juicy.• Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the ground beef to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.• Don't overmix the cornbread batter – this can lead to a tough, dense topping. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.• Let the tamale pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.• Customize your toppings! Try adding sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.• For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter separately the night before and assemble just before baking.• If you want to make it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
