When I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Add 1 teaspoon each of salt, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly add 1 cup of water, mixing until you have a thick batter.
6. Take a 9-inch pie dish and grease it with olive oil. Pour the batter into the pie dish and spread it evenly on the bottom and up the sides.
7. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the cornmeal batter in the pie dish. Spread it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
10. Let the California Tamale Pie cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy to make meal!