Crockpot Beef Tamale Pie
Enhance your upcoming Taco Tuesday by transforming authentic tamales into a delectable crock pot tamale pie (or tamale casserole). You will only require a few staple ingredients such as ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, Mexican-style seasonings, and Jiffy cornbread to create a meal that your family will undoubtedly appreciate.
If you wish to complement your tamale pie, consider trying some of my favorite recipes, including Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa and Slow Cooker Queso Blanco.
What is Tamale Pie?
Tamale pie is characterized by its casserole-like consistency, attributed to the cornbread mixture that serves as a topping. This crock pot recipe is ideal for those seeking comfort food that requires minimal preparation and moderate cooking time.
I particularly value the versatility that such wonderful recipes offer. Whether you choose to serve it as is or incorporate some of my serving suggestions below, experimenting with different recipes like this one is always a good idea. I am confident you will enjoy it! We often prepare a large batch of slow cooker ground beef, which we then use to create this simple tamale pie recipe.
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients for tamale pie displayed on a table with text labels.
Beef: You will need just one pound of ground beef, which should be cooked before being added to the slow cooker.
Veggies: A small white onion and a green bell pepper, both diced, are included to enhance the flavor and texture of the pie.
Seasonings: A quick homemade Mexican seasoning can be made using chili powder, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin, providing ample Tex-Mex flavor.
Tomatoes: Obtain a couple of cans of Rotel Tomatoes to simplify the process of adding diced tomatoes with the ideal flavor profile.
Beans: Pinto beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the crock pot.
Tomato Paste: Incorporate additional tomato flavor.
Cheese: I suggest using a block of sharp cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself.
Tamale topping: You will require a box of Jiffy cornbread mix along with the necessary ingredients to prepare it (egg and milk). Additionally, include a can of corn (drained).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Six images illustrating the process of preparing tamale pie in a slow cooker.
Step One – Brown the beef until it is no longer pink, then transfer it to the crockpot along with the chopped onion, bell pepper, canned corn, and other filling components.
Step Two – Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients.
Step Three – Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW, cooking for 5 hours. Afterward, add cheese on top of the cooked ground beef mixture and mix well.
Step Four – In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal ingredients and stir until they are well blended.
Step Five – Layer the cornmeal mixture over the meat mixture.
Step Six – Place the lid on the slow cooker, adjust the heat setting to HIGH, and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Tamale Pie
Tamale pie is delightful on its own, allowing you to serve it directly from the slow cooker for immediate enjoyment.
If you wish to enhance it with toppings, consider adding sour cream, enchilada sauce, sliced green onions, green chiles, avocados, extra shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, hot sauce, and salsa.
For side dishes, pairing it with black beans, refried beans, Mexican street corn, or a simple dip is always a good choice.
The pie can also be served atop tortilla chips or wrapped in corn tortillas.
Recipe FAQs
How can I determine if the cornbread topping is fully cooked?
The best method is to insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the topping is done. Alternatively, you can gently shake the slow cooker to check if the center is firm and no longer jiggly.
What additional ingredients can I incorporate into the tamale beef mixture?
Some individuals prefer to include green chilies, extra beans, and garlic powder in the blend.
How should I preserve leftovers?
Transfer any leftover tamale pie into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven at medium heat until it is thoroughly warmed.
Is it possible to use homemade cornbread as the tamale topping?
You may attempt it, although I have not personally tried it. The Jiffy cornbread offers a distinctive flavor that enhances the pie beautifully. Additionally, the quantity of Jiffy cornbread is just right for this recipe.
Equipment
Slow Cooker - 6 quart or larger (I possess and utilize this model from Crock-Pot)
Sarah’s Notes
Transfer any leftover tamale pie into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven at medium heat until it is thoroughly warmed.
To add some heat, consider incorporating one chopped chipotle pepper in adobo into the meat mixture.
Ground turkey or ground chicken serves as an excellent alternative to ground beef.
A toothpick inserted into the cornbread layer that comes out clean is the most reliable test to determine if it is set, or you can gently shake the slow cooker to see if the center is no longer jiggly.
Ingredients:
* 1 lb. lean ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 10 oz. can enchilada sauce
* 6 oz. pkg. corn mufifn mix
* 1/3 cup milk
* 2 Tbsp. oil
* 1 egg
* 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
* 4 oz. can chopped green chilies, undrained
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup salsa
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
In nonstick skillet, cook ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is cooked. Drain thoroughly and stir in drained kidney beans and enchilada sauce. Pour into 4-5 quart crockpot.
In large bowl, mix together corn muffin mix, milk, butter and egg just until combined. Then add cheese and chilies, including chili liquid. Spoon over beef in crockpot.
Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the corn bread mixture comes out clean. In small bowl combine sour cream, salsa, and cilantro; serve with pie. 4 servings
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