Tamale Pie Pioneer Woman Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of tamales in an easy-to-make casserole form. This recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of traditional tamales but are looking for a simpler, quicker preparation method. With its delicious combination of seasoned beef, cornmeal topping, and melted cheese, this tamale pie will surely become a family favorite.

Let’s explore how to make this mouth-watering dish in your own kitchen.

What is Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie?

The Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie is a savory casserole that features a flavorful mixture of ground beef, spices, and vegetables, topped with a cornbread-like batter and baked to golden perfection. It captures the essence of traditional tamales without the time-consuming process of wrapping and steaming.

Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Eggplant Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Meatball Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies the traditional tamale-making process, making it accessible for busy cooks.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with seasoned beef, vegetables, and a cornbread topping, it’s a satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices to your taste.
• Make-Ahead: It can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie

For the Filling:

• Ground beef (1 pound)
• Onion, chopped (1 medium)
• Green bell pepper, chopped (1)
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 14.5 ounces)
• Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 ounces)
• Corn kernels, drained (1 can, 15 ounces)
• Chili powder (2 tablespoons)
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)

For the Cornbread Topping:

• Cornmeal (1 cup)
• All-purpose flour (1 cup)
• Sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Egg (1)
• Vegetable oil (1/4 cup)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add vegetables: Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Combine ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Prepare the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
6. Assemble the pie: Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef and cheese.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve: Let the tamale pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie

• Guacamole: Adds a creamy, rich texture.
• Sour Cream: Provides a cool, tangy contrast.
• Salsa: Adds freshness and a bit of spice.
• Chopped Cilantro: Enhances the flavor with a fresh, herby note.
• Side Salad: Balances the richness of the pie with a light, crisp side.
• Mexican Rice: Complements the flavors and makes the meal more filling.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef make a significant difference.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the cornbread batter until just combined to keep it tender.
• Season well: Taste the beef mixture before adding the cornbread topping to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
• Adjust consistency: If the beef mixture is too thick, add a little water or beef broth to reach the desired consistency.
• Let it rest: Allow the tamale pie to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or use hot chili powder.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Cheesy Delight: Add extra cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
• Chicken Tamale Pie: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
• Healthy Twist: Use lean ground turkey and reduce the amount of cheese.

Storing Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie: Best Practices

• Cool completely: Ensure the pie is fully cooled before storing.
• Use airtight containers: Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate promptly: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie: Best Practices

• Oven reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave method: Heat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop option: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warm.

How can I make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie healthier, you can:

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce fat content.
• Add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Reduce cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option to cut down on calories.
• Use whole-grain cornmeal for the topping to increase fiber content.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream as a topping for added protein and fewer calories.
• Limit added salt and use herbs and spices to enhance flavor without extra sodium.
• Opt for low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to reduce overall sodium intake.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

FAQs

How do you make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie gluten-free?

To make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the cornbread topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder used is also gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of meat for this recipe. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great alternatives to ground beef. You can also use shredded cooked chicken for a different texture.

What can I use as a substitute for black beans?

If you don’t have black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and taste to the dish.

How can I make the cornbread topping more moist?

To make the cornbread topping more moist, you can add an extra egg or a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter. Another option is to use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer flavor and texture.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together the best of traditional tamale flavors in a convenient casserole form. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking!

Other Yummy Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Green Chile Egg Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Cheese
• Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Breakfast Burrito Casserole

Print