Ground Beef Tamale Pie Recipe – Easy Cheesy Mexican Casserole

Introduction

This Ground Beef Tamale Pie is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines a tender, slightly sweet cornbread base with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, green chiles, and plenty of melted cheese. It has all the delicious flavors of a classic tamale without the extra work of making individual tamales. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, family meal, or cozy weekend gathering, this cheesy Mexican-inspired casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Base

• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
• 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread or muffin mix, such as Jiffy
• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chiles

For the Beef Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup Monterey Jack or Mexican blend shredded cheese, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Topping

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the cornbread mixture:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Add the cream-style corn, cornbread mix, and chopped green chiles. Stir until just combined.
3. Bake the cornbread base:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is set in the center.
4. Brown the beef:
   While the cornbread is baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
5. Season the beef:
   Stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens.
6. Create pockets in the cornbread:
   Remove the cornbread from the oven. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, carefully poke holes throughout the cornbread. This allows the enchilada sauce to soak into the base.
7. Add enchilada sauce:
   Drizzle about ½ cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the cornbread.
8. Prepare the beef filling:
   Stir the remaining enchilada sauce and ¼ cup of shredded cheese into the seasoned ground beef. Mix until well combined.
9. Layer the filling:
   Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cornbread base.
10. Add the remaining cheese:
    Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
11. Bake again:
    Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
12. Rest and garnish:
    Let the tamale pie rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Top with green onions, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Tamale Pie delivers all the comforting flavors of tamales in an easy, family-friendly casserole.  The soft cornbread absorbs the flavorful enchilada sauce while the seasoned beef and melted cheese create a rich and satisfying topping. Finish it with fresh green onions, cilantro, and sour cream for a delicious dinner everyone will want seconds of!