Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Easy Skillet Tamale Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the rich, flavorful tastes of tamales into a one-pan, quick, and easy casserole-style meal. With a savory filling of seasoned ground beef (or chicken), beans, and corn, topped with a cornbread-like crust, this dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. This halal version ensures there are no pork products or alcohol, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a tasty comfort meal, Easy Skillet Tamale Pie is the answer. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings
• Meal prepping for the week
• Comfort food cravings
• Halal meal options

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Easy Skillet Tamale Pie will quickly become a go-to meal:

• Bold Flavors: This dish packs layers of savory flavors from seasoned ground meat, zesty spices, and a creamy, cheesy topping.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Everything is made in a single skillet, making prep and cleanup effortless.
• Customizable: Whether you want to use beef, chicken, or go vegetarian, the filling is flexible to meet your taste.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a cooking time of under an hour, you can get this meal on the table in no time.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe ensures that all ingredients are halal, with no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol involved.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Skillet Tamale Pie:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or a plant-based substitute for a vegetarian option)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 packet taco seasoning (ensure it’s halal)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any vegetable oil)

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream or yogurt
• Jalapeño slices for some heat

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef or Chicken: The protein for the filling adds flavor and richness to the dish. Choose your preferred meat or substitute with plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Cornmeal: The cornmeal provides a slightly gritty, yet soft, texture to the topping, making it similar to traditional tamale dough.
• Taco Seasoning and Spices: The taco seasoning and other spices bring a deep, zesty flavor to the filling, reminiscent of the Mexican cuisine that inspired this dish.
• Cheese: The cheese in the cornbread topping adds a lovely richness and a slightly crispy top layer when baked.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Tamale Pie Filling:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly heated before you assemble the pie.
2. Cook the Meat and Veggies: In a large, oven-safe skillet (such as a cast-iron skillet), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Season the Filling: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and veggies in the seasoning.
5. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and frozen corn kernels to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring it’s evenly mixed. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
6. Set Aside: Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside while you prepare the cornbread topping.

Make the Cornbread Topping:

7. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
8. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined.
9. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cornbread dense.
10. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese to the cornbread mixture. The cheese adds richness to the topping and helps it form a golden, crispy crust.

Assemble the Tamale Pie:

11. Top the Filling with Cornbread: Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the cooked filling in the skillet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Don’t stir it in—just let the cornbread layer sit on top.
12. Bake the Tamale Pie: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy:

13. Cool and Serve: Let the tamale pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle and makes it easier to cut.
14. Garnish (Optional): Top with fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.

How to Serve Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

Easy Skillet Tamale Pie can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Complete Meal: This tamale pie is hearty enough to serve as a standalone dish. Pair it with a simple green salad on the side for a well-rounded meal.
• With Rice: Serve it over a bed of rice for extra fullness, or pair it with a side of Mexican rice to complement the flavors.
• With Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make a great accompaniment, adding a fun texture to each bite.
• With a Side of Guacamole: If you’re a fan of avocados, serve the pie with some fresh guacamole for an added creamy layer of flavor.

Additional Tips for Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

Here are a few tips to help make your Easy Skillet Tamale Pie even better:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and cornbread topping separately ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake the pie when ready.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the level of spices in the filling to your taste. Add extra chili powder for a spicier kick, or reduce the cumin if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
• Cheese Options: Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier version or Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option. You could also add extra beans or plant-based protein.
• Use Different Beans: While black beans are a great option, feel free to substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even refried beans for a different texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations of Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

Here are some creative variations you can try for your Easy Skillet Tamale Pie:

• Chicken Tamale Pie: Use ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
• Vegetarian Tamale Pie: Make the pie vegetarian by adding more beans and vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Pork-Free Carnitas Tamale Pie: Swap out the beef for halal-friendly carnitas made with shredded chicken or beef, seasoned with citrus and spices.
• Spicy Jalapeño Tamale Pie: For a fiery kick, add chopped fresh jalapeños into the filling and sprinkle more on top before baking.
• Southwestern Tamale Pie: Add a cup of diced green chilies, black olives, or roasted red peppers to give the dish a southwestern flair.

Freezing and Storage for Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

• Freezing: You can freeze the tamale pie for up to 3 months. Assemble the pie and bake it as usual, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
• Storage: Leftover tamale pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Special Equipment for Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

Here are a few pieces of equipment that will help you make this dish:

• Skillet: An oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) is essential for cooking and baking the tamale pie in one pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the proper proportions of ingredients for a successful tamale pie.
• Mixing Bowls: Having a few mixing bowls handy will help you separate the dry and wet ingredients for the cornbread topping.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula is great for spreading the cornbread batter evenly on top of the filling.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is helpful for letting the tamale pie rest before serving, ensuring the filling doesn’t spill out when you cut it.

FAQ Section about Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the cornbread topping.
3. Can I use store-bought cornbread mix?
   You can use a store-bought cornbread mix, but check the ingredients to ensure it’s halal-friendly. Follow the instructions on the box and skip the dry ingredients from the recipe.
4. Can I make this tamale pie in a casserole dish?
   Absolutely! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a casserole dish to bake the tamale pie.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Yes! You can add diced zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Print

Conclusion of Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

Easy Skillet Tamale Pie is the perfect combination of savory and comforting, with layers of flavorful filling and a soft cornbread topping that everyone will love. It’s quick, simple, and packed with customizable options to suit any dietary need. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s halal-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it without worry. Try it today and indulge in this one-pan wonder!