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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy & Full of Southwestern Flavor

This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is a nostalgic, stick-to-your-ribs dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, a savory cornbread topping, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or potluck gatherings—bold, hearty, and ready in under an hour! 🇨🇱✨
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍖 Meat & Veggies
  • 1½ lbs ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeño diced (optional for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
  • 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
🌶 Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
🧀 Cornbread Topping
  • 1 box 8.5 oz cornbread mix
  • Ingredients required by cornbread mix box usually egg and milk
🧀 Cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
🌿 Optional Garnish
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sour cream

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Meat & Veggies
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and garlic; cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Build the Filling
  1. Stir in corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and flavors combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
  1. Spread beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over the filling.
  3. Prepare cornbread mix according to box instructions in a bowl.
  4. Pour batter evenly over the beef and cheese layer, spreading gently to cover.
Step 4: Bake
  1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cornbread is golden and cooked through (test with toothpick).
  2. Remove from oven; sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  3. Let rest 5 minutes to set.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting Southwestern flavors!

Notes

🥄 Variations
Extra Heat: Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños to beef mixture.
Vegetarian: Replace meat with crumbled tempeh or more beans.
Cheesy Twist: Stir ½ cup shredded cheese into cornbread batter.
Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning instead of individual spices.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave until hot.
Freezer: Freeze cooked casserole tightly wrapped up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate and bake when ready.
What cornbread mix works best?
Any boxed mix, or your favorite homemade cornbread batter.
Can I add cheese inside the cornbread?
Yes—fold shredded cheese into batter for extra gooeyness.
What’s the best beef to use?
85–90% lean ground beef for flavor without excess grease.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes—thaw before adding.
Is it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check canned ingredients.
Can I skip beans?
Absolutely—just add more veggies or meat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and cornbread mix alternatives.
Does it reheat well?
Yes—great for meal prep!
Can kids eat it?
Yes—reduce or omit jalapeños for a milder version.
📝 Conclusion
This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold Southwestern flavors—perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit! 🌽🧀