Skillet Tamale Pie has been my go-to for busy weeknights ever since I discovered how incredibly simple and satisfying it is. I remember my mom making a version of this years ago, and the smell of the spiced beef filling mingling with the sweet cornbread topping always brought everyone to the table. This easy skillet tamale pie delivers all those comforting, savory flavors in a magical one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a true weeknight savior. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Tamale Pie
This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Here’s why this easy skillet tamale pie will become a staple in your home:
- Incredible Flavor: The savory, spiced ground beef filling combined with a slightly sweet, fluffy cornbread topping is pure comfort food bliss.
- Super Quick Prep: With minimal chopping and assembly, you can have this ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
- Healthy-ish Options: You can easily make this a vegetarian skillet tamale pie or use leaner meats like turkey or chicken.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.
- Easy Cleanup: As a true one pan tamale pie, you’ll spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile: This one pan tamale pie is perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
- Satisfying: It’s hearty and filling, leaving everyone feeling completely satisfied.
Ingredients for Skillet Tamale Pie
Gathering these simple skillet tamale pie ingredients is the first exciting step towards a delicious, comforting meal. The magic happens when these humble items transform into a savory and sweet masterpiece.
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor, but lean turkey or chicken works too!
- 1 small onion, chopped – about 1 cup, this adds a sweet aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning or chili powder blend – this is where the classic tamale flavor comes from!
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles – for a little zest and moisture.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained – adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed – for extra heartiness and fiber.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided – half goes into the filling, the rest melts on top for gooey goodness.
- 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix – this forms our fluffy, golden topping.
- 1 egg – helps bind the cornbread batter.
- 1/3 cup milk – for a moist cornbread crust.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter – for sautéing the aromatics.
- Salt and pepper to taste – to perfectly season everything.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish – for a pop of freshness at the end.
How to Make Skillet Tamale Pie
Let’s dive into how to make skillet tamale pie! This process is surprisingly straightforward, turning simple ingredients into a hearty meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this one pan tamale pie comes together, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First things first, get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Grab an oven-safe skillet and warm a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your pound of ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Now, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant – that sweet onion smell is your first clue this is going to be delicious!
Step 2: Add Flavor and Texture
It’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in your taco seasoning, letting it toast for about 30 seconds to really release its aroma. Pour in that can of diced tomatoes with green chiles – the little bits of pepper add a lovely warmth. Add the drained corn and rinsed black beans, stirring everything together. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes; you want the flavors to meld beautifully. Now, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture. This creates a gooey layer that’s just heavenly.
Step 3: Top with Cornbread
While the filling is simmering, prepare your cornbread topping. Follow the instructions on your 8.5 oz box of cornbread mix, which usually involves whisking together the mix with one egg and 1/3 cup of milk. Make sure it’s smooth but don’t overmix. Carefully and evenly pour this cornbread batter over the cheesy beef filling in the skillet. Try to cover the entire surface for a consistent crust.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Now, it’s time for the magic to happen in the oven. Place your skillet into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. You’ll want to bake it for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the cornbread to be beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You can test it by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s ready! This step is crucial for how to make skillet tamale pie that’s perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the cornbread is golden and cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese all over the hot cornbread topping. The residual heat will melt it into a glorious, cheesy blanket. Let it sit for about 5 minutes – this resting period is important for the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this amazing savory skillet tamale pie warm, right from the skillet!
Pro Tips for the Best Skillet Tamale Pie
Want to elevate your skillet tamale pie game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish even more spectacular. Trust me, these tips will ensure your skillet tamale pie casserole is a guaranteed hit every single time.
- Don’t skip browning the beef well: Getting a good sear on the ground meat builds a deep flavor base.
- Sauté aromatics until truly soft: Properly softening onions and garlic releases their sweetness and mellows their bite.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before adding the cornbread, always taste the filling and add salt, pepper, or more taco seasoning if needed.
- Let it rest before slicing: Allowing the pie to sit for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps it set, making for cleaner slices.
What’s the secret to perfect Skillet Tamale Pie?
The secret to the best skillet tamale pie lies in building layers of flavor. Start with well-browned meat, sauté your aromatics until sweet, and don’t be shy with the taco seasoning. Letting the filling simmer allows those flavors to meld beautifully before the cornbread topping goes on.
Can I make Skillet Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, reheat the filling gently, then prepare and pour the cornbread batter over it and proceed with baking. This makes assembly even quicker! For more information on food safety and storage, you can refer to CDC food safety guidelines.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Skillet Tamale Pie?
A common pitfall is a soggy bottom; ensure your oven-safe skillet is properly preheated. Another mistake is overmixing the cornbread batter, which can make it tough. For a tamale pie easy recipe skillet, just mix until combined. Also, don’t forget to let it rest after baking!
Best Ways to Serve Skillet Tamale Pie
This hearty savory skillet tamale pie is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out the experience. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt to add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced filling. A simple side salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette is also fantastic, cutting through the richness. For an even more authentic Tex-Mex feel, offer some pickled jalapeños on the side for those who like an extra kick. It’s a wonderfully adaptable dish that always satisfies! You can find more recipes on our site.
Nutrition Facts for Skillet Tamale Pie
This skillet tamale pie is a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings from the recipe):
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more details on how we handle your data, please see our Privacy Policy.
How to Store and Reheat Skillet Tamale Pie
Leftover skillet tamale pie is a gift that keeps on giving! Once your delicious skillet tamale pie casserole has cooled down completely, it’s time to think about storage. For short-term enjoyment, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Your frozen skillet tamale pie can be kept for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of easy methods. For a single slice, the microwave works best; just heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If you’re reheating a larger portion or a frozen piece, the oven is your friend. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes for refrigerated leftovers, or 30-40 minutes for frozen portions, until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth before reheating in the oven to help keep the cornbread moist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Tamale Pie
What is Skillet Tamale Pie?
At its heart, skillet tamale pie is a delightful casserole that captures the essence of traditional tamales but in a much simpler, one-pan format. It typically features a savory, spiced meat or vegetable filling layered at the bottom of an oven-safe skillet, crowned with a fluffy cornbread topping. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why is Skillet Tamale Pie popular?
The popularity of skillet tamale pie stems from its incredible convenience and delicious flavor profile. It offers all the savory goodness of tamales without the labor-intensive process of steaming individual packets. Its one-pan nature means minimal cleanup, and the combination of spiced filling with a tender cornbread crust is universally appealing. This easy skillet tamale pie truly delivers a satisfying meal with maximum flavor and minimal fuss, making it a go-to comfort food for many.
Can I use different meats or make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for a ground beef skillet tamale pie, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded chicken for a lighter option. For a fantastic vegetarian skillet tamale pie, simply omit the meat and add more beans, corn, or even some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the filling. The base flavors are so robust that it works beautifully with various proteins or plant-based fillings.
Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving a perfect crust and even cooking due to its excellent heat retention, it’s not strictly necessary. You can make this one pan tamale pie in any oven-safe skillet. Just ensure the skillet you use can go from stovetop to oven safely. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can cook the filling on the stovetop, transfer it to a baking dish, and then top it with the cornbread batter before baking. Learn more about kitchen tools.
Variations of Skillet Tamale Pie You Can Try
While this classic skillet tamale pie is amazing as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! I love experimenting with different proteins and flavors to keep things exciting. For a lighter, healthier option, try a chicken skillet tamale pie by substituting shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground chicken for the beef. If you’re looking for a meatless marvel, a vegetarian skillet tamale pie is incredibly satisfying. Just load up the filling with extra black beans, pinto beans, corn, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty, flavorful dish. You could even swap out the cornbread topping for layers of corn tortillas or a different seasoned biscuit mix for a fun twist on this beloved easy one-dish tamale pie.
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Amazing Skillet Tamale Pie: 15-Minute Prep
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy skillet tamale pie offers the savory flavors of tamales in a quick and simple one-pan meal. A spiced ground beef filling is topped with a fluffy cornbread crust and melted cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning or chili powder blend
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Prepare cornbread mix according to package directions with egg and milk.
- Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Let melt.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Mix cheese into cornbread batter for a cheesy crust.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra beans or vegetables.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Oven-Baked Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of pie)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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