Can I make this tamale pie casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! I do it all the time for busy weeks. Prep the meat filling and store it separately from the dry cornbread mix in the fridge overnight. Right before baking, mix up the cornbread batter, assemble, and bake as usual. The flavors actually develop more when the filling sits - bonus!

What's the best cheese substitute for this recipe?

If you're avoiding dairy, I've had great success with pepper jack-style vegan cheese (it melts surprisingly well). For a lighter option, a sprinkle of cotija or queso fresco right before serving gives amazing flavor without weighing it down.

My cornbread topping came out dry - what went wrong?

Oh no! This usually happens if the oven runs hot or you overbake. Next time, try checking at 18 minutes instead of 20 before adding cheese. And don't skip the resting time - it lets moisture redistribute through the cornbread beautifully.

Can I use homemade cornbread batter instead of a mix?

You bet! Use your favorite from-scratch recipe (about 2 cups of batter). I add an extra tablespoon of milk to my usual recipe since the filling provides less moisture than baking cornbread alone. The mix is just my shortcut for crazy weeknights!

Hearty Tamale Pie Casserole in Under 1 Hour

Description

A hearty and flavorful casserole combining the best of tamales and pie, packed with seasoned meat, cornbread topping, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the meat mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare cornbread mix with egg and milk as per package instructions. Spread evenly over the meat mixture.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add jalapeños for extra heat.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American