Description
Looking for a bold, comforting dish that brings big flavor with minimal fuss? This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and spices, all topped with a fluffy, golden cornbread crust. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, easy recipe for weeknights, or family-style comfort food. Whether you’re craving Tex-Mex food ideas, searching for hearty dinner ideas, or simply need a freezer-friendly casserole, this one-pan wonder delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned corn, drained
8 ounces canned tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8.5 ounces Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 large egg
0.33 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced or pickled jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
5. In a bowl, mix corn muffin mix with egg and milk until just combined.
6. Spoon cornbread batter over beef mixture in skillet, spreading evenly but not to the edge.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cornbread is golden and fully cooked.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
10. Top with your choice of sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, or green onions before serving.
Notes
Let the casserole cool slightly before adding the cornbread batter to prevent uneven baking.
Add shredded cheese or green chiles to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
If using a baking dish instead of a skillet, grease it well and transfer the meat mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, tamale pie, skillet casserole, Tex-Mex recipe, ground beef casserole