Mouth-watering Tamale Pie Recipe for Food Lovers
Are you looking for a recipe that will wow your friends and family? Look no further than this Wow Them Tamale Pie Recipe. This colorful, hearty casserole is a lighter take on the traditional Mexican dish, making it the perfect centerpiece for when company is coming.
But don’t let the healthier ingredients fool you – this tamale pie still packs a delicious punch of flavor. With ground beef, pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans combined with crushed tomatoes, green chili peppers, zucchini, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, carrots, garlic, and onion, every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
The cornmeal base of the pie gives it an old school tamale flavor while the cheese topping will make your taste buds sing. Plus, with options for chicken tamale pie or vegetarian tamale pie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This gluten-free tamale pie recipe is so easy to make in one dish that you’ll wonder why you’ve never tried Texas tamale before. Whether you’re a fan of Tex-Mex or just looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this Wow Them Tamale Pie Recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This colorful and hearty casserole is not your traditional Mexican dish. The Wow Them Tamale Pie recipe takes the classic tamale to a new level, making it a versatile and delicious centerpiece for any occasion.
What makes this dish unique is the addition of veggies like zucchini, red and green bell peppers, carrots, and beans that not only add flavor but also provide it with a healthy boost of nutrients. The wow factor comes from the crust – a savory cornbread tamale pie with a cheesy topping that will leave you craving more.
This recipe not only makes an impressive centerpiece when company’s coming, but it’s also easy to prepare ahead of time or adjust to different diets. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free tamale pie or a vegetarian option, this recipe can be adapted to your needs.
And let’s face it: who doesn’t love a one-dish meal? This hearty casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights where you don’t have the time or energy to prepare an elaborate dinner. Plus, leftovers taste even better the second day!
So if you’re ready to try something new, give this Wow Them Tamale Pie recipe a chance. It’s fresh, exciting, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to feast on it.
Ingredient List
Here comes the gusto tamale pie recipe that you won’t be able to resist! For this colorful hearty casserole, lighter traditional Mexican dish, these are the ingredients you will need. Make sure not to skip any of them if you want to have a perfect result.
- White flour: 2 Cups
- Cornmeal: 1 Cup
- Baking Powder: 4 Teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1/2 Teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 Teaspons
- Buttermilk: 2 Cups
- Eggs: 2 (lightly beaten)
- Nonfat sour cream: 1 Cup
- Low-fat cheddar cheese: 1/2 Cup (shredded)
- Pinto beans, 1 can (drained and rinsed)
- Black beans, 1 can (drained and rinsed)
- Kidney beans, 1 can (drained and rinsed)
- Crushed tomatoes, 28 Oz (with juice)
- Green chili pepper, two (diced)
- Zucchini, one large (diced)
- Red bell pepper, one medium (diced)
- Green bell pepper, one medium (diced)
- Carrot, one medium-sized carrot (grated)
- Water: Half a cup
- Dried Oregano: Two teaspoons
- Ground Coriander: One teaspoon
- Ground Cumin: Two teaspoons
- Garlic Cloves: Three cloves (Minced)
- Onion, One Medium-sized onion, diced.
- Olive oil: One tablespoon
The Recipe How-To
Step One: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.
Step Two: Add the Vegetables and Spices
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 cup chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 grated carrot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Add 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano to the skillet. Mix everything together and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
Step Three: Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Next, add one 15 oz can each of drained and rinsed pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans to the skillet along with one 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and one small can of chopped green chili peppers. Stir everything until well combined.
Simmer everything for about 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Four: Make the Cornbread Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup white flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
In a separate bowl mix together one box of Jiffy cornbread mix with one egg and 3/4 cup buttermilk.
Stir in one bag of low-fat shredded cheddar cheese into cornbread mixture.
Pour cornbread topping over meat mixture quickly spreading across top of mixture
Bake in oven (preheated to 375 degrees F) for around 30 minutes (or until topping is lightly browned)
Finally remove from oven when finished cooking
Allow tamale pie cool before slicing into servings.
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is all about creativity, and so is this wow-worthy tamale pie recipe. What’s amazing about this recipe is that you can easily substitute or modify ingredients according to your preference without sacrificing the mouthwatering taste.
If you’re a vegetarian, you can swap the ground beef for 2 cups of cooked quinoa or rice. It will add a nutty flavor and make it just as hearty as the original. You can also switch the types of beans and mix in white or navy beans instead of black beans.
For a gluten-free version, you can replace white flour with corn flour or use jiffy cornbread mix instead of white flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This quick and easy trick makes a difference in texture while keeping it gluten-free.
If you’re looking for more zesty flavors, you can add some taco seasoning to your ground beef or sprinkle chili powder on top of your cheese for a spicy kick. You could also layer some enchilada sauce on top of your tamale pie for a little saucy goodness.
For those trying to cut calories or opt for dairy-free options, substitute regular cheddar cheese with low-fat cheddar cheese, buttermilk with almond milk or cashew cream, and sour cream with nonfat sour cream. Also, leave out the cheese topping altogether or sprinkle some finely chopped fresh cilantro and scallions instead.
These simple substitutions won’t change the essence of the recipe but transform it into something new and exciting. Whether you crave old-school comfort food or are into gluten-free takeovers, there’s a tamale pie variation that’ll suit all tastes.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this wow-worthy tamale pie, let your imagination run wild! Thanks to its colorful, hearty, and slightly spicy nature, this casserole makes an impressive centerpiece for any table. It’s perfect for company coming or as a comforting family dinner.
To balance out the richness of the dish, I’d recommend pairing it with a light salad drizzled with some tangy vinaigrette. The refreshing greens will provide the perfect contrast to the creamy and cheesy tamale pie. You could also add some sliced avocados, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cilantro to your salad for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
If you’re looking for something more substantial than a salad, you could serve this dish alongside some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips. The crispiness of the chips will nicely complement the soft texture of the tamale pie. And who doesn’t love scooping up some guac on their chips?
For those who prefer a heartier pairing, you can’t go wrong with some warm garlic bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with minced garlic and fresh herbs. The buttery flavor of the garlic bread will balance out the spiciness of the tamale pie perfectly.
And if you want to go all-in on the Mexican theme, consider serving this dish with some margaritas or ice-cold tequila shots decorated with wedges of lime. However you choose to pair it, one thing is certain: this tamale pie recipe is sure to make mouths water and stomachs full!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy baker, I understand that being able to prep meals in advance can be a lifesaver. Luckily, the Wow Them Tamale Pie recipe is perfect for making ahead of time!
You can assemble the pie completely and then store it, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. This means you can prepare it when you have time and then cook it later when you’re ready. Keep in mind that if you choose to make ahead, the crust may not be as crispy as when it’s freshly baked.
If you’ve already baked the Wow Them Tamale Pie and find you have leftovers, don’t worry! It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the desired amount of pie and either microwave or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the unbaked tamale pie by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time but still want a delicious home-cooked meal, try making a big batch of this tamale pie on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week. Easy peasy!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to nail this Wow Them Tamale Pie recipe, you have come to the right place. As an articulative assistant for a baker, I have gathered some tips to help you achieve that perfect result on your pie.
Firstly, one key consideration in creating perfect tamale pie is the cornbread topping. To make it pleasingly golden brown and crispy all over, ensure that you spread it gently and evenly over the filling. A good technique is to start by spooning dollops of batter around the filling, and then spreading them together with a spatula until they join at the edges.
Secondly, remember that the amount of liquid called for in the recipe is crucial as it affects how moist or dry your tamale pie will be. For instance, if your tomatoes are juicier than expected or if you choose to add more broth or enchilada sauce, adjust the amount of cornmeal accordingly.
Thirdly, aim to balance flavors and textures in your dish. Since this pie incorporates both meat and beans, be careful not to over-season or under-season any part of it. Allow each layer of ingredients a chance to shine. Additionally, consider adding some fresh cilantro or scallions over the top just before serving as a garnish.
Fourthly, consider using low-fat ingredients such as nonfat sour cream and low-fat cheddar cheese instead of full-fat options without compromising flavor. These ingredients can still enhance the flavor of your dish while keeping it lighter and healthier.
Lastly, keep in mind serving size when mixing and pouring your ingredients into your casserole dish. Do not overfill your dish with too much batter or too many fillings as this may cause them to spill over during baking. Remember that this recipe makes an impressive centerpiece for company coming; thus, proper proportion must be considered.
By following these tips and tricks, you will achieve an excellent result every time with this wow tamale pie recipe. Keep experimenting with ingredients until you find what works best for you and delight in a colorful hearty casserole lighter than traditional Mexican cuisine!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Wow Them Tamale Pie Recipe is a perfect choice for anyone looking to add some flavor and excitement to their dinner table. With its colorful and hearty casserole, this traditional Mexican dish makes an impressive centerpiece for company coming over.
The combination of beans, vegetables, ground beef, and spices create a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave a lasting impression on those who try it. Plus, with substitutions like nonfat sour cream and gluten-free tamale pie options, this recipe can be made healthier and more accommodating to different dietary needs.
So why not try something new tonight and give this tamale pie recipe a shot? With its old-school corn flour topping and robust enchilada sauce, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken tamale pie, beef tamale or even a vegetarian tamale option, this recipe has got you covered.
Let’s get cooking!
Wow Them Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 -2 tablespoon water
- 1 cup peeled and diced carrot
- 1 cup diced red bell peppers or 1 cup green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 small fresh green chili pepper, minced, seeds removed for a milder hot
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (15-oz. can, undrained)
- 1 1/2 1 1/2 cups kidney beans (15-oz. can) or 1 1/2 cups black beans (15-oz. can)
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces grated low-fat cheddar cheese (optional)
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon white flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 egg whites, beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- minced scallion
- chopped fresh cilantro
- nonfat sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a heavy or nonstick saucepan.
- Add the onion and garlic, cover, and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add the cumin, coriander, oregano, enough water to prevent sticking,and the carrots, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and chile, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes and beans, cover, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 400*.
- Prepare a 2-qt. nonreactive casserole dish with cooking spray or a very light coating of oil.
- Spread the vegetable-bean mixture in the bottom of the dish.
- If you are using the Cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly on top.
- Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites till starting to peak, then gently stir in buttermilk, and oil.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring, just until mixed.
- Pour the batter directly on top of the vegetable-bean mixture, pressing it down a little with a spatula.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the topping comes out clean.
- Garnish with minced scallions, chopped cilantro,and, if you like, nonfat sour cream.
- Enjoy!
Your Own Notes
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.