Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 mouth-watering, spine-tingling, and downright delicious tamale pie recipes! Tamale pies are a twist on traditional tamales, wrapped in a crispy crust instead of corn husks. This fusion of Mexican flavors and American comfort food is a game-changer. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and beefy or vegetarian and cheesy, we’ve got you covered.
From spicy pork to sweet potato and chorizo, these tamale pies are packed with bold flavors that will leave you craving more. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and perfect for a crowd. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and serve up some heat!
Classic Beef Tamale Pie
Classic Beef Tamale Pie Recipe
Experience the flavors of traditional tamale filling wrapped up in a warm, comforting pie crust, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tamale filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
3. Stir in tamale filling, corn kernels, and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the beef mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the crust over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie
This comforting casserole combines the flavors of Mexico with the ease of a homemade pie crust. A layer of creamy chicken and cheese filling is topped with crispy tamales and baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1 cup tamale mixture (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, tamale mixture, cheese, cream, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the chicken mixture into the pie crust.
5. Top with additional grated cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Vegetarian Black Bean Tamale Pie
This hearty pie combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a classic tamale. A layer of creamy black beans and cheese is sandwiched between tender cornmeal crust, making for a satisfying vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked black beans, cheddar cheese, cilantro, olive oil, onion, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal and water until a thick paste forms.
4. Pour the cornmeal mixture into a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish, spreading evenly to form the crust.
5. Top with the black bean mixture and smooth out.
6. Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Pork Tamale Pie
This Spicy Pork Tamale Pie recipe combines the flavors of traditional tamales with the convenience of a single-serve pie. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, this spicy twist is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground pork in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese; set aside.
5. Roll out pie crust and fill with pork mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Green Chile and Cheese Tamale Pie
Elevate your tamale game with this creative twist on the classic Mexican dish. This Green Chile and Cheese Tamale Pie combines the flavors of roasted green chiles, melted cheese, and tender tamales in a single, satisfying serving.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of tamales (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 can of green chile peppers, diced
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the tamales into thick rounds.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced green chile peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Arrange the tamale slices in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the cooked green chile mixture, then sprinkle with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this sweet and savory pie combines the flavors of Mexican street corn with a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 1 cup cream-style corn
– 1/2 cup grated cotija cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, butter, and ice water. Mix until dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place in a pie dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour corn mixture into the pie crust.
6. Fold edges of the crust over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Slow Cooker Tamale Pie
This slow cooker tamale pie is a twist on traditional tamales, using ground beef, beans, and spices to create a delicious and filling meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup of cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (16 oz) of whole kernel corn, drained
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and top with shredded cheese and cooked rice.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Jalapeño Popper Tamale Pie
This unique tamale pie combines the flavors of jalapeño poppers with traditional tamales, resulting in a spicy and savory dish perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of corn husk tamales
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook tamales according to package instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
4. Arrange cooked tamales in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tamales.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Chorizo Tamale Pie
This unique recipe combines the warm spices of chorizo sausage with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a crispy tamale crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup masa harina
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until tender (about 45 minutes). Let cool.
3. Cook the chorizo sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
4. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, cooked chorizo, and sautéed onion mixture.
6. Roll out the tamale dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Spoon the filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Place tamales seam-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes total
BBQ Pulled Pork Tamale Pie
Combine the rich flavors of BBQ pulled pork with the comforting warmth of tamales, wrapped up in a crispy pie crust. This unique dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, slow-cooked in BBQ sauce
– 1 package of tamale mix (corn husk and masa harina)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread the BBQ pulled pork evenly over the pie crust.
4. Mix the tamale mix with chicken broth according to package instructions.
5. Pour the tamale mixture over the pork, spreading evenly.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Three-Cheese Tamale Pie
Experience the perfect blend of traditional tamales and rich cheese pie with this unique recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of tamale dough (corn husks)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the tamale dough according to package instructions.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Spread half of the tamale dough in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the tamales, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 with remaining ingredients.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey and Green Chile Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this savory pie combines the flavors of turkey, green chile, and corn with a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, shredded
– 1 can (14.5 oz) green chile peppers, drained and chopped
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine turkey, green chile peppers, corn kernels, cilantro, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
3. Stir in black beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roll out the pie crust and fill with the tamale mixture.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Zucchini and Corn Tamale Pie
This flavorful pie combines the sweetness of corn and zucchini with the warmth of tamale spices, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. Perfect for a summer dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté zucchini, corn, onion, and bell pepper until tender. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the tamale mixture and top with grated cheddar cheese (if using).
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Tamale Pie
Smoky Chipotle Tamale Pie: A Twist on Traditional Tamales
This innovative recipe combines the flavors of smoky chipotle peppers, tender corn masa, and savory ground beef to create a unique and delicious tamale pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup corn masa harina
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together corn masa harina and water until dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; add chipotle pepper, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread meat mixture over the tamale dough.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Poblano and Mushroom Tamale Pie
This recipe combines the flavors of tamales with the comfort of a savory pie, perfect for a unique dinner or special occasion. The spicy kick from the poblanos pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 2 large poblano peppers
– 1 lb mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 cup tamale masa mix
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cheese, sour cream, or cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the poblano peppers by placing them on a baking sheet, drizzling with oil, and baking for 20-25 minutes or until charred.
3. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop into small pieces.
4. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until softened.
5. Mix cooked mushroom mixture with chopped poblano peppers.
6. Prepare tamale masa mix according to package instructions.
7. Assemble the pie by layering tamale masa, mushroom-poblano mixture, and water in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Tex-Mex Tamale Pie with Cornbread Crust
A twist on traditional tamales, this Tex-Mex pie combines the flavors of tender beef, savory cheese, and spicy peppers within a crispy cornbread crust.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 6-8 corn tortillas
For the cornbread crust:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the filling by browning the beef with onion and garlic, then adding the bell pepper, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Arrange the tortillas on top of the cornbread mixture, overlapping them slightly.
5. Spoon the filling over the tortillas, followed by the shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lentil and Quinoa Tamale Pie
This tamale-inspired pie combines the comforting warmth of quinoa and lentils with the vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables, all wrapped in a crispy cornmeal crust. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 2 cups mixed roasted vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 cup cornmeal
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, lentils, roasted vegetables, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal and vegetable broth to form a thick batter.
4. Pour the tamale mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the cornmeal batter.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this savory pie combines the rich flavors of bacon and cheddar with a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
4. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over crust, followed by crumbled bacon.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes with green chilies and cumin; spoon this mixture over the bacon layer.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these 18 mouth-watering tamale pie recipes! From classic beef and chicken to vegetarian black bean and spicy pork options, there’s something for everyone. Try adding some green chile and cheese, Mexican street corn, or jalapeño poppers to give your tamales an extra kick. Whether you’re in the mood for slow-cooked comfort food or a quick weeknight meal, these tamale pie recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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