Rich and savory this easy tamale casserole recipe with beef is so simple and delicious you will want to make it again and again. Often called tamale pie, this is a quick and delicious southwest flavored meal that is sure to satisfy.
This crustless, one pot meal is a hearty blend of ground beef, and corn in a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce thickened with cornmeal.
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This is a fantastic weeknight meal that is easy to prepare on the stove top in less than 30 minutes. Made from healthy ingredients all from scratch it is a variation of a traditional tamale pie recipe.
A Mexican styled creation, this casserole has very little to do with its namesake, the tamale. Tamales are a Latin-American dish made from corn masa cooked inside a corn husk or banana leaf.
My version is even simpler than most tamale casseroles or tamale pies. Many recipes rely on a boxed muffin mix which you bake separately then add a meat mixture to the top. This recipe is crustless and all made from scratch.
It saves time by not mixing and baking a muffin mix. Everything comes together quickly right on the stove top. Clean up is easier too.
If you love Mexican flavors then this is definitely the meal for you. This dish is a staple in my kitchen and for good reason, it is so simple and yummy.
Tamale casserole, or tamale pie originated around the 1900s as a layered dish similar to a pot pie. Inspired by Mexican flavors it originally layered cooked meat filling with a corn bread crust on the top and bottom.
It was popularized as a dish taught in some home economics classes curriculum in high schools in the 1910s. It has little or nothing to do with traditional Mexican tamales.
This simplified recipe was passed down through my family. It skips the crust and combines the meat filling and with the corn meal for a mouth watering one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef - start with lean ground beef, 90% or less fat, if possible
- Diced Sweet Onions - Walla Walla or Vidalia are the best
- Corn, 1 can (15.25 oz) - you can also use fresh corn if it available
- Diced tomatoes, 1 can (4.5 oz) - add the juices too, stewed tomatoes will also work, just make sure not to use tomatoes with other flavorings or spices added
- Corn meal - usually found in the baking aisle, do not use corn muffin mix
- Chili powder - I usually use mild because it will develop flavor as it cooks
- Water - You can use the tomato can to add the water to save on dishes, fill the can about half way to make one cup
- Salt
- Black olives, 1 can (6 oz) - these are optional too, but really delicious
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese, optional but also really delicious, also easy to substitute another favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella or a shredded Mexican Cheese blend
Substitutions
You can substitute the vegetables for different ones to suit your personal preferences. You could use green beans, mixed vegetables, squash, sweet potatoes, red or green peppers, chopped cauliflower or even a can of pinto or black beans in place of the corn.
The ground beef can be replace with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter, heart healthy option. Another option is to finally chop chicken breast and then cook, following the rest of the directions.
You can easily omit the olives and this recipe still is delicious. I often leave out the olives since I am the only one in my house that likes olives.
For a dairy free version leave the grated cheese off. It is still a fantastic meal, full of southwest goodness even without the cheese. You could also use a different cheese other than cheddar.
Directions
To make this recipe simply warm a skillet or skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Then dice the onion and add to the pan along with the ground beef. Break the ground beef into small bits. Cook until browned. Drain the fat from the beef then return to the stove.
Drain the liquid from the canned corn and add to the beef.
Add the canned tomatoes, including all the juices to the mixture as well.
Mix in the corn meal, chili powder, water, salt and olives. Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will thicken and become more flavorful as it cooks.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired and enjoy!
If your casserole is too runny then add a little bit more corn meal. Stir in 1 teaspoon at a time and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it is the desired thickness.
Remember the cornmeal will thicken as it cooks so do not add too much all at once.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can reheat this dish in one of several ways. Warm up in a skillet over medium heat. Leave the cheese on top of the casserole and heat with a lid until it is warmed all the way through.
You can also simply stir in the cheese for one delicious spread.
Another option is to place in the oven at 350° for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Lastly, you can reheat in the microwave. Microwave heating times will vary but one serving will probably be ready to eat in about one minute.
You can also serve leftovers as a filling on a soft flour tortilla or in a crispy taco shell for something different.
Freezing
Freezing tamale casserole with beef is very easy to do. Place any leftovers that you want to freeze for later into an airtight container and freeze.
You can also make this casserole ahead of time and freeze for easy eating later. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours until it is defrosted.
Reheat in a skillet on the stove top. Cover with a lid and warm over medium heat until everything is hot and bubbly.
Making Ahead of Time
This is an easy recipe to make ahead of time and then reheat when it is most needed.
You can make it and keep it in the skillet, on the stove top for a fast repeatable dinner. This is great when a few family members are getting home late and need a quick food fix.
This dish is also easy to make ahead of time then stash in the fridge. Then reheat on the stove as needed.
Pouring this yummy mixture into a casserole dish and the reheating in the oven is also simple and easy option. It also looks fantastic!
Additional toppings
This casserole is delicious on its own but feel free to add whatever additional toppings you like. Here are some favorites:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatos
- Salsa
- Cilantro
- Sour Cream
- Chopped avocados
- Guacamole
- Corn chips
- Fritos
- Black Beans
- Pinto Beans
- More cheese
What to serve it with
Serve your tamale casserole with some green salad and a side of veggies such as steamed broccoli, cauliflower or peas. It is also fantastic with corn chips, corn muffins or some crusty bread.
It is a meal that is really easy to dress down when you are in a hurry or dress up for a nicer occasion. A glass of red wine also rounds out this dish perfectly.
Recipe
Easy Tamale Casserole with Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cup diced sweet onions
- 1 Can Corn 15.25 oz
- 1 Can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 3 Tb. Corn meal
- 2 Tb. Chili powder
- 1 c. Water
- ½ tsp. Salt
- 1 can black olives 6 oz
- 1 c. Shredded Cheddar Cheese optional
Instructions
- 1.Warm a skillet or skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Dice the onion and add to the pan along with the ground beef. Break the ground beef into small bits. Cook until browned. Drain the fat from the beef then return to the stove.
- Drain the liquid from the canned corn.
- Add the canned corn and the canned tomatoes, including all the juices.
- 5 .Mix in the corn meal, chili powder, water, salt and olives. Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will thicken and become more flavorful as it cooks.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Salad, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, chips and salsa, corn muffins or crusty bread.
It combines corn meal and southwestern flavors into a delicious casserole style meal.
Tamale casserole, or tamale pie originated around the 1900s as a layered dish similar to a pot pie. Inspired by Mexican flavors it originally layered cooked meat filling with a corn bread crust on the top and bottom.
It was popularized as a dish taught in some home economics classes curriculum in high schools in the 1910s. It has little or nothing to do with traditional Mexican tamales.
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef. You can also use diced chicken meat and then cook following the rest of the directions.
You also might like
- Chicken en Mole
- Guatemalan Black Bean Soup
- Chicken Breast Medallions with Rosemary
- Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
Please leave your questions, comments and ratings below!
Roxanna
This is so delicious and easy! I love the rich southwest flavors in this dish. Warm and satisfying for a chilly night.
Mary
My Mother-in-law made this. I call it "crustless tamales pie". She was born in 1912 and lived until 2012!. She taught home economics so I was interested in the history of the recipe. I am going to give it a try...adding bell pepper.