The Ultimate Skillet Tamale Pie Recipe: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Discover the secret to a truly satisfying and easy-to-make Tamale Pie recipe that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. This hearty, savory dish is brimming with delightful seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, all topped with a sweet, crumbly Jiffy mix cornbread. This isn’t just any tamale pie; it’s hands down the best skillet tamale pie I’ve ever tasted! Featuring cheesy ground beef cooked with just the right amount of spice, this incredible one-pan meal delivers both simplicity and an explosion of authentic flavor.

When cravings for Southern and Southwestern comfort food strike, this Tamale Pie casserole is our go-to solution. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder features a perfectly moist and sweet cornbread topping that truly elevates the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, serve this magnificent skillet tamale pie with your favorite homemade red enchilada sauce. We typically garnish ours with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of spicy jalapeños to complete the experience.

Preparing this delightful Tamale Pie casserole is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for those evenings when you need a delicious dinner on the table in record time. The harmonious blend of sweet corn and a hint of green chiles creates a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy profile that makes this skillet pie utterly irresistible. You’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!

For a truly authentic and well-rounded Mexican-inspired dinner, serve this incredible recipe with authentic refried beans, fresh pico de gallo, and your preferred queso with tortilla chips. If you’re a fan of traditional tamales but are looking for a quicker, less labor-intensive alternative, this easy skillet tamale pie recipe will undoubtedly become a new family favorite!

The History of Tamale Pie: A North American Classic

While many associate tamales with Mexico, the concept of Tamale Pie actually originated in North America, specifically in the great state of Texas. It’s widely believed that the earliest versions of this comforting casserole have been enjoyed since the era of World War I. This dish represents a unique fusion, blending the rich, savory flavors reminiscent of traditional Mexican tamales with the convenience and heartiness of a classic American casserole. It quickly became a beloved dish, offering a satisfying and economical meal, especially in times when hearty, family-style dishes were cherished. This adaptation allowed home cooks to capture the essence of tamales in a simpler, oven-baked format, making it accessible for everyday dining.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Tamale Pie Recipe

Crafting the perfect Skillet Tamale Pie begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: My go-to for this recipe! The standard size box of Jiffy mix ensures a cornbread topping that’s incredibly moist, wonderfully savory, and perfectly sweet, providing a delicious contrast to the zesty meat filling.
Large Egg: Essential for binding the cornbread ingredients together, giving it structure and a light, airy texture once baked.
Sour Cream: Adds a creamy richness and tang to the cornbread, contributing to its moistness and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Any brand will work beautifully.
Creamed Corn: This ingredient is key for achieving a truly moist cornbread topping with sweet, textural elements that complement the savory filling. It infuses the cornbread with a delightful corn flavor.
Lean Ground Beef: The star of our savory filling. Opting for lean ground beef minimizes excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, richer flavor. The combination of seasoned beef forms the hearty core of this dish.
Onion: One small, chopped onion—whether yellow, white, or sweet—provides an aromatic foundation for the ground beef mixture, adding depth and a subtle sweetness.
Signature Seasoning Blend: A carefully selected mix of cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper creates the authentic, warm, and robust tamale-inspired flavors that make this pie so irresistible.
Canned Green Chiles: For convenience and a mild, zesty kick, canned diced green chiles are perfect. They add a touch of Southwestern flair without overpowering the dish.
Red Enchilada Sauce: You have the flexibility here! Use your favorite store-bought red enchilada sauce for ease, or for an even fresher taste, consider making your own homemade version. It’s crucial for infusing the pie with classic Mexican flavors.
Cheddar Jack Cheese: I prefer Cheddar Jack for its superb melting qualities and savory, slightly sharp flavor that beautifully complements the beef and cornbread. However, any good Monterey Jack blend or a Mexican cheese blend will also be delicious.
Optional Garnishes: Elevate your tamale pie with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, diced avocado, and thinly sliced jalapeños for a burst of color and additional flavor dimensions.

For the precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located towards the bottom of this post.

How to Make The Best Old-School Tamale Pie

Prepare to be amazed by this savory, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned cheesy recipe – it’s the ultimate dish for those times you crave both savory and sweet. You’ll especially love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, all in a single pan! For best results and traditional charm, I prefer making this recipe in a cast-iron skillet. Alternatively, it can be just as easily prepared in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch casserole dish.

Step One: Prepare the Flavorful Ground Beef Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). In your cast iron skillet (or a large oven-safe pan), brown the lean ground beef together with the chopped onion. As the beef cooks, stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with these fragrant spices. When the meat mixture is approximately halfway cooked, add the minced garlic and drained green chiles. Continue to cook until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened. Carefully drain any excess grease from the meat, then remove the seasoned beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside.

Step Two: Mix the Sweet Cornbread Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, one large egg, half a cup of sour cream, and half a cup of creamed corn. Stir these ingredients together until they are just combined and form a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cornbread.

Step Three: Bake the Cornbread Base

Spread the prepared cornbread batter evenly into the greased cast iron skillet (or casserole dish). Bake the cornbread in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step Four: Assemble the Tamale Pie Layers

Once the cornbread has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to gently poke several holes across its surface. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld. Carefully pour about ½ cup of the red enchilada sauce over the top of the cornbread, ensuring that the sauce seeps into the holes you’ve created. This moistens the cornbread and infuses it with rich, tangy flavor. Next, evenly spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the sauce-soaked cornbread. Finally, generously cover the entire pie with the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese.

Step Five: Final Bake and Serve

Return the assembled tamale pie to the preheated oven. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the edges of the pie are hot and simmering. Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Serve your delicious Skillet Tamale Pie hot, directly from the skillet. Offer the remaining enchilada sauce on the side for guests to add as they please, along with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeño for an unforgettable meal.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you’re as much of a fan of this incredible easy Tamale Pie recipe as we are, don’t forget to save it for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it next time you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. You’ll definitely want this recipe handy for future busy weeknights!

Tips for Success with Your Skillet Tamale Pie

Don’t Overmix the Cornbread: For a tender and moist cornbread topping, mix the Jiffy batter ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten, resulting in a tougher texture.
Properly Drain the Beef: After browning the ground beef, ensure you drain off any excess grease. This prevents the pie from becoming oily and keeps the flavors clean and savory.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings for the beef mixture. Cumin and chili powder are key to that authentic Tex-Mex flavor. Taste and adjust if necessary before topping the pie.
Poke Holes Deeply: When poking holes in the baked cornbread, aim to go almost all the way through to allow the enchilada sauce to truly soak in and moisten the base.
Even Cheese Distribution: Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the meat layer. This ensures a beautiful, golden, and uniformly melted cheese topping.
Rest Before Serving: Like many casseroles, allowing the tamale pie to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

How to Reheat Tamale Pie Perfectly

Whether you have leftovers from a family dinner or are prepping meals ahead, reheating your Tamale Pie is simple. For individual portions, the microwave works wonderfully: simply warm a slice for one to two minutes, or until thoroughly heated. If you’re reheating the entire pie or a larger section, cover it loosely with foil and bake in the oven at around 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C) for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until it’s warmed through to the center and the cheese is bubbly again. This method helps prevent the cornbread from drying out and keeps the texture optimal.

Storage Instructions

To store any leftover Skillet Tamale Pie, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire pie (if using a freezer-safe dish) for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What to Serve with Your Skillet Tamale Pie

This versatile Skillet Tamale Pie pairs beautifully with a range of Mexican-inspired side dishes, creating a truly complete and satisfying meal. You’ll want to keep this recipe around just for the fantastic side dish possibilities! Consider serving it alongside creamy refried beans, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, crispy carnitas nachos, or a simple green salad for a lighter touch. Fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese are also excellent additions to enhance each serving.

Are Tamales Mexican? Unpacking the Origins

Yes, tamales, in their traditional form, are indeed a staple of Mexican cuisine and have deep roots in Mexico’s culinary history, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. While variations of tamale recipes can be found throughout Latin and South America, their true origin is widely attributed to Mexico. We absolutely adore authentic Mexican tamales, and this Tamale Pie offers a fantastic, convenient way to enjoy those rich, comforting flavors in a much quicker, weeknight-friendly skillet meal format.

FAQs About Tamale Pie

Can I use homemade cornbread mix instead of Jiffy? Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cornbread recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure the consistency is similar to a Jiffy mix batter for best results.
How can I make this Tamale Pie spicier? To increase the heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning, use hot green chiles instead of mild, or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce with the enchilada sauce.
Can I make this Tamale Pie ahead of time? Yes, the beef filling can be cooked a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire pie (without baking the final step) and refrigerate it, then bake when ready, adding about 10-15 minutes to the final baking time.
What other proteins can I use? While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

My family and I could enjoy Mexican food every single day; it’s a cuisine we never tire of! If you loved this ground beef Tamale Pie, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious Mexican-inspired dishes:

Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe (pictured above)
Refreshing Mexican Bean Salad
Decadent Mexican Brownies
Copy Cat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Layered Bean Dip
Quick Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro-Lime Butter
Fun Walking Taco Casserole

Ready to experience the comforting taste of homemade goodness? Let’s cook up some truly spectacular Skillet Tamale Pie tonight! It’s an easy, flavorful meal that brings everyone to the table.

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top view of tamale pie in skillet, ready to serve

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Print Recipe

Skillet Tamale Pie

This Skillet Tamale Pie recipe is hearty, savory, and brimming with aromatic seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Featuring a sweet and moist Jiffy mix cornbread topping and cheesy ground beef with a touch of spice, it’s the ultimate one-pan meal for busy weeknights when you desire maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Beef, Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern, American

Keyword: best tamale pie, cornbread tamale pie, easy weeknight meal, ground beef, Jiffy Cornbread mix, skillet tamale pie, tamale pie with cornbread

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 456 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black

Ingredients

1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 large egg
½ cup sour cream
½ cup creamed corn
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
8 ounces Cheddar Jack Cheese, shredded
Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, diced avocado, fresh jalapeño

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200°C).
In a cast iron skillet, brown ground beef with onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. When halfway done, add minced garlic and green chilies. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease, remove meat from skillet, and set aside.
Combine Jiffy mix, egg, sour cream, and creamed corn. Pour into the greased cast iron skillet, spreading evenly.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cornbread. Pour ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring it seeps into the holes. (Keep remaining sauce for serving).
Top evenly with the seasoned meat mixture.
Generously cover with shredded cheese.
Bake for another 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are simmering.
Serve hot with remaining enchilada sauce, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, avocado, and jalapeño if desired.

Notes

This tamale pie can also be prepared in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch casserole dish if a cast iron skillet is not available.

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