Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Healthy Tamale Pie Mexican Casserole

Closeup view of Tamale Pie in an oval casserole dish

This Tamale Pie Mexican Casserole is packed with ground meat, beans, vegetables, and tamale flavors. Baked with a simple cornmeal topping, and sprinkled with cheese, it's an easy dinner any night of the week.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (16-ounce) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15-ounce) pinto, red, or kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Tamale Topping

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mozzarella or Mexican blend)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a nonstick skillet, brown the ground meat with onions. Once browned, stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more or until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the green peppers, corn, beans, tomato sauce, salsa, chili powder, and cumin and red pepper flakes. Transfer the filling into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish; set aside.
  3. Make the Tamale Topping: In a saucepan combine the cornmeal, water, and salt. While stirring, bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking until it thickens slightly. Spoon the topping over the meat and bean mixture.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle grated cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted; about 15 minutes more.

Notes

Ground Meat:

Use your favorite. While lean ground beef is always a favorite, ground turkey or chicken is delicious too.

Topping Ideas:

I like to top with the casserole with fresh chopped avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley and green onions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 305Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 655mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 22g

Did you make this recipe?

Follow me on Pinterest for more and use the "Pin" button at the top of the recipe card.