Are you looking for a delicious and unique twist on traditional tamales? Look no further! Tamale pie is a game-changer. This comforting, flavorful dish combines the best of Mexican cuisine with the ease and convenience of a casserole. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering tamale pie recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
From classic beef to spicy pork, vegetarian black bean to cheesy chicken, there’s a tamale pie recipe on this list that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, these recipes have got you covered. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover the world of tamale pie!
Classic Beef Tamale Pie
Experience the warm comfort of a traditional tamale wrapped in a savory beef filling and baked to perfection in a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups cooked tamales, crumbled
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, corn, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in crumbled tamales and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Fill pie crust with beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie
This recipe combines the comfort of a chicken tamale with the ease of a pie, topped with a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 2 cups cornmeal
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cornmeal, cheese, milk, oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with the chicken mixture and smooth out.
5. Top with additional shredded cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vegetarian Black Bean Tamale Pie
This savory and satisfying vegetarian tamale pie combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a classic casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (vegetarian)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in black beans, corn kernels, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
5. Arrange tortillas in the dish, overlapping slightly.
6. Pour the black bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Pork Tamale Pie
Spicy Pork Tamale Pie Recipe
Looking for a flavorful twist on traditional tamales? This Spicy Pork Tamale Pie combines the comforting warmth of tamales with the convenience of a casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1 can (16 oz) tamale pie crust or 1 package of wonton wrappers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pork, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Arrange tortillas in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour pork mixture over tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese.
6. Top with tamale pie crust or wonton wrappers.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Green Chile and Cheese Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this Green Chile and Cheese Tamale Pie combines the flavors of roasted green chile peppers with melted cheese, wrapped in a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen roasted green chile peppers, thawed
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the green chile peppers and shredded cheese.
4. Spread the green chile-cheese mixture evenly over the pie crust.
5. Fold the edges of the pie crust up over the filling to form a crusty border.
6. Brush the crust with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Corn Tamale Pie
This warm and comforting dish combines the flavors of sweet corn, savory tamales, and creamy cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch. With its layered structure and vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups cooked tamale filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and cumin; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in corn kernels and cooked tamale filling. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Fill with tamale mixture.
5. Top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Tamale Pie
Mexican Street Corn Tamale Pie: A flavorful twist on traditional tamales, this recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the savory flavors of Mexico.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup black beans, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in corn kernels, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is heated through.
4. Arrange tortillas in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spoon the corn mixture over the tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Top with cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Tamale Pie
Get ready for a twist on traditional tamales with this BBQ pulled pork tamale pie that combines the flavors of slow-cooked pork, sweet corn, and savory spices. This dish is perfect for a crowd or as a main course for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups tamale masa mix
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a slow cooker, cook the pork shoulder in BBQ sauce until tender, about 8 hours.
3. Shred the cooked pork with two forks and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, combine tamale masa mix, chicken broth, and shredded cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a thick paste.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Assemble the pie by spreading half of the tamale mixture in the bottom of the dish, followed by layers of pulled pork, corn kernels, and cilantro. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining tamale mixture on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey and Green Chile Tamale Pie
This recipe combines the flavors of traditional tamales with the comfort of a casserole, featuring tender turkey, spicy green chile, and warm cornbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup green chile peppers, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup warm cornbread mix
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook turkey, green chile, onion, and garlic until browned. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spoon turkey mixture over tortillas, followed by cheese.
5. Top with cornbread mix, spreading evenly to cover filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Tamale Pie
Elevate your tamale game with this creamy, spicy twist on a classic dish. This Jalapeño Popper Tamale Pie combines the flavors of roasted peppers and cheese with traditional tamale filling, all wrapped in a crispy cornmeal crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white corn
– 1/2 cup black beans, cooked
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup roasted and chopped jalapeños
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cornmeal crust mixture (see below)
– Sour cream, chives, or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the cumin and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the cooked corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and roasted jalapeños. Cook until heated through.
4. Pour the tamale filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Roll out the cornmeal crust mixture to fit the top of the baking dish. Place on top of the filling.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Loaded Nacho Tamale Pie
Get ready for a twist on traditional nachos and tamales with this loaded tamale pie! This rich and satisfying dish is perfect for game day gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tamale masa mix
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 pound ground beef (or substitute)
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare tamale masa mix according to package instructions.
3. Cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon as needed.
4. Add black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth and vegetable oil. Stir into tamale masa mixture until just combined.
6. Press half of the tamale mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Spread meat mixture evenly over tamales. Top with cheese and cilantro.
8. Cover with remaining tamale mixture.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Southwest Chicken Tamale Pie
This Southwest-inspired twist on traditional tamale pie combines flavorful chicken, creamy green chile sauce, and crispy tamales wrapped in a golden-brown crust. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup green chile sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook chicken, cumin, and paprika in a skillet until browned. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies; simmer until heated through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cooked rice, shredded cheese, and cooked chicken mixture.
4. Assemble the tamales by spreading about 1/4 cup of the rice-chicken mixture onto each tortilla, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Roll up each tamale and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Drizzle green chile sauce over the top and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Breakfast Tamale Pie with Eggs and Chorizo
Start your day off right with this creative breakfast twist on traditional tamales. This savory pie is packed with scrambled eggs, spicy chorizo sausage, and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of tamale pie crust mix
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the chorizo sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked.
3. In a separate bowl, scramble the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roll out the tamale pie crust according to package instructions.
5. Spread the cooked chorizo sausage evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Pour the scrambled eggs over the chorizo, followed by the shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the eggs are fully set.
8. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lentil and Mushroom Tamale Pie
This vegan-friendly tamale pie combines the comforting flavors of lentils, mushrooms, and corn with a crispy tamale-inspired crust. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook mushrooms, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper over medium heat until the mixture is tender.
3. Stir in cooked lentils, corn kernels, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roll out pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Fill the pie crust with the lentil-mushroom mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Tamale Pie
This creamy, spicy tamale pie combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comfort of tamales. Perfect for game day gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 can (12 oz) of tamales, husked and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Cook until heated through.
3. Stir in corn kernels and cook for an additional minute.
4. Arrange tamales in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour chicken mixture over tamales, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin and Black Bean Tamale Pie
This sweet and savory pie combines the flavors of pumpkin and black beans, wrapped in a crispy tamale-inspired crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the cooked black beans, pumpkin puree, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Pour the black bean and pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.
5. Fold the edges of the crust up over the filling to form a tamale-style crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Shredded Beef and Olive Tamale Pie
Shredded Beef and Olive Tamale Pie: A flavorful twist on traditional tamales, this savory pie is perfect for a comforting meal or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound shredded beef (cooked)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup diced green olives
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add cooked beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
4. Stir in rice, cilantro, and green olives.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with beef mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheese (if using) and cover with another pie crust or cracker crumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini and Corn Tamale Pie
This recipe combines the flavors of summer with the comfort of a warm pie, featuring zucchini, corn, and tamale filling wrapped in a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1 cup cooked tamale filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Make the crust by combining flour, shortening, and water in a bowl. Roll out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a separate bowl, mix zucchini, corn, tamale filling, and cheese.
4. Spoon the filling mixture onto one half of the crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold the other half of the crust over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush top with beaten egg and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these 18 delicious tamale pie recipes! From classic beef and chicken options to vegetarian and spicy choices, there’s something for every occasion. Indulge in comforting classics like Green Chile and Cheese Tamale Pie or Sweet Corn Tamale Pie. Spice things up with Spicy Pork Tamale Pie or Jalapeño Popper Tamale Pie. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy nights in, these tamales are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Try one (or two, or three…) and discover a flavorful twist on traditional tamales!
