Hearty Southwestern Tamale Pie Casserole
Indulge in the comforting layers of our Hearty Southwestern Tamale Pie Casserole, inspired by a beloved home-cooked recipe from Lois Morgan of Rocklin. This savory dish combines a rich ground beef filling with flavorful spices, olives, and a creamy corn topping, all nestled in a warm cornmeal crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole serves as a fulfilling meal that's both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Bake it up for a satisfying taste of the Southwest that everyone will enjoy!
4-6
Servings
250
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Albers yellow cornmeal
1 1/4 cups (dry)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Carnation Evaporated Milk
1 1/2 cups (liquid)
Water
1 cup (liquid)
Ground beef
1 lb (raw)
Garlic
1 clove (finely chopped)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
Cream-style corn
1 cup (canned)
Black olives
1/2 cup (sliced, drained)
Tomato sauce
1 cup (canned)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (spice)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Cheddar cheese
1/3 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, evaporated milk, and water. Cook while stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3
Remove 1/2 cup of the thickened cornmeal mixture and set it aside, covering it with plastic wrap to keep warm.
4
Spread the remaining cornmeal mixture evenly on the bottom and sides of a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Allow it to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, if needed.
5
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
6
While the crust is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, then drain any excess fat.
7
Stir in the cream-style corn, sliced black olives, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
8
After removing the crust from the oven, spoon the beef and vegetable filling into the crust evenly.
9
Drop rounded teaspoons of the reserved cornmeal mixture over the top of the filling. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Hearty Southwestern Tamale Pie Casserole!
Nutrition Information
11.7
Fat
25
Carbs
13.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Southwestern Tamale Pie Casserole?
It is a savory dish that combines a rich ground beef filling with spices, olives, and a creamy corn topping, all nestled in a warm cornmeal crust.
Who inspired this tamale pie recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a beloved home-cooked recipe from Lois Morgan of Rocklin.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before starting the baking process.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the protein content of the Hearty Southwestern Tamale Pie?
This dish provides 13.3 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 11.7 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The casserole contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cornmeal is suggested for the crust?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/4 cups of Albers yellow cornmeal.
How do you prepare the cornmeal crust mixture?
Combine cornmeal, salt, evaporated milk, and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
Why do I need to reserve some of the cornmeal mixture?
You set aside 1/2 cup of the thickened cornmeal to drop by rounded teaspoons over the top of the filling before the final bake.
What size baking dish should be used?
The instructions recommend using a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
How long should the crust bake before adding the filling?
The crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1 pound of ground beef as the primary protein.
Which vegetables are included in the meat filling?
The filling includes garlic, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper.
Does this recipe include corn in the filling?
Yes, it uses 1 cup of canned cream-style corn stirred into the beef mixture.
Are there olives in this tamale pie?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sliced and drained black olives are added to the filling.
What provides the base for the filling sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of canned tomato sauce to create the base for the meat filling.
How much chili powder is required for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder to provide its Southwestern flavor.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The casserole is finished with 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long is the second baking stage?
Bake the assembled casserole for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of milk is needed for the cornmeal?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of Carnation Evaporated Milk.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Fiber information is not available for this specific recipe.
Is the garlic chopped or minced?
The garlic should be finely chopped before adding it to the skillet.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include tamale pie, casserole, mexican food, comfort food, beef, cornmeal, and southwestern dish.
How much water is added to the cornmeal mixture?
The recipe requires 1 cup of water to be mixed with the evaporated milk and cornmeal.
Can I prepare the cornmeal crust in advance?
While you can, the recipe suggests spreading it while warm and allowing it to cool for only 2 to 3 minutes before pre-baking.
How much salt is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt: 1/2 teaspoon in the crust and 1 teaspoon in the filling.
Should the casserole rest before serving?
Yes, you should allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.