Name: Texas Tamale Pie Casserole 1 Bold Cheesy Comfort Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 can black beans, drained; 1 can tomatoes with green chilies; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg

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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed until now.

Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen!As the recipe developer behind Cooks Foody, I love bringing bold, regional flavors to everyday meals. And this Texas Tamale Pie Casserole hits all the right notes: it’s hearty, cheesy, packed with spices, and topped with a golden, savory cornmeal crust. Inspired by the flavors of Southwestern tamales but simplified into a casserole, it’s become a weeknight go-to in my home.

If you’re tired of uninspired dinners or casseroles that lack texture and punch, you’ll love what this dish brings to the table. As someone who’s been cooking Tex-Mex dishes for over a decade, I’ve learned how to coax rich flavor from pantry staples.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

Why this casserole recipe works so well
The best meat to use (and what to avoid)
Step-by-step cooking guidance
Flavor twists and serving ideas
Pro-level tips and FAQs
Let’s bring some Texas spirit to your dinner table!

Why This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe Works

Built for busy weeknights: One pan, all in one meal, no fancy steps.
Classic flavors, easy prep: Chili spiced beef, cheesy top, and fluffy cornbread crust.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.

Choosing the Right Meat for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Ground beef (85/15): Perfect fat ratio for a flavorful filling that holds its texture without being greasy.

Buying Tips

Look for bright red ground beef with minimal liquid in the packaging.
Avoid over-lean options they’ll turn dry in the oven.

Substitutions

Swap with ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles if preferred.
Want a smoky twist? Add grilled chicken or chopped brisket instead.

Ingredients & Prep for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Meat Prep Essentials

Brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.
Drain excess grease to keep the dish balanced.

Flavor Beams (Marinade/Rub/Spices)

1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

Mix these with beef and simmer with canned tomatoes and green chilies for maximum flavor fusion.

Pantry Staples

Cornmeal (1 cup) for the crust
Milk & Egg binding ingredients for a fluffy topping
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) melts beautifully on top

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to share your photos on Pinterest

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Pre-Cooking Prep for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Dice onion, rinse black beans, and drain olives.
Prepare cornmeal topping: Mix cornmeal, egg, milk, and a pinch of salt.

Cooking Method for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and all spices.
Stir in black beans, tomatoes with chilies, and black olives. Simmer 5 minutes.
Pour the meat mixture into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.

Doneness Check for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Casserole should be bubbly at the edges.
Cornmeal topping should be golden and firm to the touch (check after 30–35 minutes).

Resting for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat in Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Don’t overcook the beef just brown it lightly.
Drain grease to avoid soggy base.

Tool Recommendations for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Cast-iron skillet (for flavor and heat retention)
9×13 baking dish
Silicone spatula (for clean slicing and serving)

Storage & Reheating for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Store in fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat individual slices in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
Freezes well for up to 2 months wrap tightly in foil.

Flavor Variations for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Variation Type	Ingredients	Notes
Spicy Twist	Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce	Kick up the heat for spice lovers.
Vegetarian	Use black beans, corn, and zucchini instead	Still satisfying and hearty without meat.
Global Flavors	Add chipotle in adobo or taco seasoning	Infuse deeper smoky and savory flavors.
Cheesy Crust	Mix cheese into cornmeal batter	Creates a gooey, crispy top layer when baked.

Serving Suggestions for Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Sides: Try with guacamole, Mexican rice, or a crisp green salad.
Dips: A drizzle of sour cream or avocado crema makes it sing.
Drinks: Pair with lemonade, sparkling water, or horchata.

FAQs About Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Can I use frozen beef?

Yes just fully thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

How do I fix an overcooked crust?

Brush lightly with melted butter and cover with foil when reheating to soften it.

Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?

Yes! All ingredients are cooked thoroughly and pose no safety risks.

Conclusion

The next time you’re craving bold, cozy comfort food, this Texas Tamale Pie Casserole will be your hero. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying everything a good casserole should be.

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole 1 Bold Cheesy Comfort Classic