Tamale Pie has been around since the early 1900’s originating in Texas. Many recipes are a mixture of beef, beans, chilies with a cornbread topping however, cornbread is not authentic to Mexican culture. Masa Harina – corn that has been dried and treated with a mixture of lime and water, then pulverized into a fine powder — is used to make tortillas and tamales, so that’s what tops this tamale pie recipe.
This comforting dish is filled with ground beef, black beans, green chilies, and tomato puree — mostly pantry items. It reminds me of one of my favorite foods, a homemade tamale, but it’s much easier to prepare because the assembly is simple. The Mexican flavors just melt in your mouth and taste so good with a crisp salad alongside like my caesar salad. Another bonus is that the leftovers heat up nicely for another dinner or for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup frozen corn
4 ounce green chilies
15 ounces black beans, drained
1 cup tomato puree
2 cups Masa Harina, found online or at most grocery stores
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup vegetable oil + more for dish
1/2 shredded cheddar cheese
(Serves 6)
To Prepare:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until lightly pink. Add onion and garlic and stir. Continue to cook the mixture for 4 minutes.
2. Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano and cayenne, stir. Cook for 2 minutes to incorporate flavors. Add corn and chilies and stir to combine, continue cooking for 3 minutes. Add tomato puree and black beans, stir to combine and turn heat to low. Simmer mixture uncovered for 10 minutes. Pour into a greased casserole dish.
3. In a stand mixer or large bowl – add masa harina, baking powder and salt. Mix on low for 1 minute to remove any lumps. While mixer is running, add chicken broth and oil. Mix for 1 minute and remove bowl from base. Stir by hand to incorporate all ingredients.
4. Dollop dough over filling – it will look like a soft crumble. Bake in oven for 25 minutes, then sprinkle cheese over top and bake again for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and serve on plates. Enjoy!
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