How to Make Homemade Tamale Pie

We're kicking off this week of Schoolhouse Summer Camp with our favorite seasonal recipes. First up — homemade tamale pie. Layered with flavorful spices, fluffy cornbread, and cool slices of avocado, this classic comfort food is perfect for backyard dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal for camping. Scroll below to learn how to cook up a tasty tamale pie in one hour or less. 

 

Homemade Tamale Pie 

 

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 6-8

• 1 lb of ground beef (substitute beef with soyrizo for a vegetarian option) 

• 1 can of black or pinto beans

• A jar of salsa

• 1 packet of taco seasoning 

• Corn bread mix (we used Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix)

• Optional: cheese + pickled jalapeños

 

For toppings:

• Sour cream

• Avocado

• Cilantro

• Limes 

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

2. Cook meat on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet or oven safe pan (drain excess fat). 

3. When meat is cooked, stir in taco seasoning, beans, and salsa, then turn off the heat. 

4. Prepare the cornbread batter and pour it on top of the meat mixture (gently mix in cheese if desired). 

5. Bake for 30 min or until the cornbread is cooked through. 

6. Let cool for 10 min or so and then serve it up with your favorite toppings!

 

 

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Recipe & photography by Alex Creswell