Irresistible Mexican Hot Tamale Pie Recipe You’ll Love

The aroma of Mexican Hot Tamale Pie wafts through the air, inviting you to dive into a world of flavor that dances on your taste buds. Imagine a comforting blend of savory meat, zesty spices, and sweet cornmeal topped with melted cheese—each bite is like a warm hug from your grandmother.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration! Picture family gatherings where laughter fills the room and everyone’s eyes light up at the sight of this colorful pie. Whether it’s game day or a cozy weeknight dinner, this Mexican Hot Tamale Pie promises to be an unforgettable experience.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish; my friends declared me the “Tamale Queen” after just one bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Use lean meat for a healthier option, but don’t skimp on flavor; season well!

• Cornmeal: Look for finely ground cornmeal for that perfect texture in your tamale pie.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.

• Bell Peppers: Choose colorful peppers to brighten up the dish; they add both flavor and visual appeal.

• Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes to enhance the smoky flavor profile of your pie.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully on top, bringing everything together with its richness.

• Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder): These spices are essential; they add warmth and complexity that makes every bite special.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding moisture during cooking.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind the cornmeal mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape when sliced.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mexican Hot Tamale Pie

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup later.

Sauté Aromatics and Meat: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, cooking them until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Toss in the ground meat and cook until browned.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes along with cumin and chili powder. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can get cozy together—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Mix Cornmeal Batter: In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, chicken broth, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth—no lumps allowed! This will give your pie that perfect base.

Assemble Your Pie: Spread half of the cornmeal mixture in your prepared baking dish. Layer on the meat mixture evenly before topping it off with the remaining cornmeal batter.

Bake It Up!: Pop your pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that beautiful crust forming!

When it’s done baking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares—you want those layers to hold their shape!

Now you have an amazing Mexican Hot Tamale Pie ready to wow your family and friends! Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite while basking in the glory of your culinary triumph!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat while preparing the cornbread batter; this ensures maximum flavor and efficiency. Layer everything together before baking to meld the flavors beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey, or add black beans for extra heartiness. Personalize the spices to suit your taste—maybe some chipotle for heat!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake until warm.

Creating this Mexican Hot Tamale Pie reminds me of family gatherings where everyone brings their favorite dish. It’s those moments filled with laughter that make cooking worthwhile.

FAQ

Can I make Mexican Hot Tamale Pie vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace meat with vegetables or plant-based protein like lentils or beans.

What can I serve with Mexican Hot Tamale Pie?

Pair it with a fresh salad and tortilla chips for a complete meal experience.

How long does it take to cook Mexican Hot Tamale Pie?

Bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Mexican Hot Tamale Pie

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Mexican Hot Tamale Pie is a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together savory ground meat, zesty spices, and sweet cornmeal in a comforting baked dish. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, each slice offers a warm, hearty experience that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. This easy-to-make recipe promises to impress with its vibrant presentation and delicious taste, making it a must-try for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup finely ground cornmeal
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, chicken broth, eggs, and salt until smooth.
5. Layer half of the cornmeal mixture in the baking dish, followed by the meat mixture, then top with the remaining cornmeal batter.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 190g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg