Spicy Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe

Craving a cozy and flavorful one-dish meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table? Look no further than this delightful Mexican Hot Tamale Pie recipe. Packed with savory goodness and just the right amount of spice, this bubbling pie is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. The combination of tender ground beef, zesty spices, and a touch of sweetness from ingredients like raisins creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

I remember the first time I made this Mexican Hot Tamale Pie and watched as my family went back for seconds. From picky eaters to spice enthusiasts, this dish has a way of winning hearts with its satisfying taste. The traditional addition of raisins brings a delightful bittersweet pop that adds depth to every bite. Whether you’re a tamale pie aficionado or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting one-dish meal with a perfect balance of spice and savory sweetness
• Versatile – easy to customize with different proteins and spice levels
• Tradition meets innovation – bittersweet raisins add color and sweetness to the pie
• Make-ahead convenience – perfect for leftovers and easy to store for future meals

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: This Mexican Hot Tamale Pie is the perfect dish for chilly evenings, offering a delightful blend of spices, savory sweetness, and a touch of heat that is sure to warm you up.
• Family Favorite: Loved by picky eaters and adults alike, this pie has been requested for birthday meals and family gatherings, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
• Surprising Taste: The addition of raisins brings a bittersweet pop of flavor that adds color and sweetness to the dish, offering a delightful twist that surprises and delights newcomers.
• Customizable and Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences, you can swap out ingredients like beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, and adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and freeze portions for later, ensuring you have a delicious and convenient meal on hand whenever you need it.
• Traditional and Innovative: Inspired by traditional Mexican flavors while offering a clever shortcut with the golden cornbread crust, this dish combines classic elements with modern convenience, making it a unique and satisfying meal option.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether serving for a family dinner or a party, this pie can be easily sliced into squares for easy serving, and topped with sour cream, cilantro, avocado salsa, and lime wedges for a festive and flavorful presentation.

Ingredients for Spicy Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe

Main Filling

• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 113 grams canned sliced ripe olives, drained
• 425 grams canned whole kernel corn, drained
• 113 grams canned green Anaheim chiles, drained and chopped
• 53 grams raisins
• 1 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 80 millilitres water
• 115 grams sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 410 grams canned fire-roasted tomatoes
• 680 grams lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons chili powder, adjust to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin, adjust to taste

Cornbread Topping

• 454 grams prepared cornbread mix
• Water, egg, oil, or milk as required by cornbread mix instructions

Pro Tips for Spicy Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe

For a lighter version, feel free to switch out the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This substitution will still give you a flavorful and satisfying dish with a different twist.

If you’re not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates can be excellent alternatives to add a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture. Experiment with different dried fruits to find your favorite combination.

To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to enjoy, add the cornbread topping and bake just before serving for the best results. This make-ahead tip can help streamline your dinner preparations.

How to Make Spicy Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned.

Step 3: Drain Fat

Take the skillet off the heat and drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Prepare Beef Mixture

Mix fire-roasted tomatoes, Anaheim chiles, corn, olives, raisins, cheddar, and water. Adjust seasoning with more chili powder or cumin to taste.

Step 5: Assemble Filling

Grease a 23 x 33 centimeter baking dish or spray with nonstick spray. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 6: Prepare Cornbread Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mix cornbread mix with water, egg, oil, or milk as directed on the package until smooth.

Step 7: Top Filling with Cornbread

Evenly spread the cornbread batter over the beef mixture.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown.

Storage Tips

The Mexican Hot Tamale Pie is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be enjoyed within four days. If you plan to store it for longer, let the pie cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly before freezing. When reheating, the cornbread might absorb more sauce, but it will remain moist either in the microwave or covered in the oven.

For those looking to make variations to the dish, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for the ground beef. Dried cranberries or chopped dates can also be used instead of raisins to add a touch of sweetness and texture. To make the preparation easier for parties, consider assembling the filling ahead of time and adding the cornbread topping just before baking for optimal results. Additionally, if preferred, plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils can be used as substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly version of this comforting casserole.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this recipe. This substitution will still provide a flavorful and satisfying dish.

If you don’t have raisins on hand, dried cranberries or chopped dates can be a suitable replacement to add a touch of sweetness and a different texture to the tamale pie.

To save time, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the cornbread topping and bake the pie just before serving to ensure a fresh and delicious final dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving Mexican Hot Tamale Pie, try turning them into individual muffin-sized portions! Simply line a muffin tin with cornbread batter, spoon in the tamale pie filling, and top with more cornbread batter. Bake until golden and serve as cute handheld tamale pies perfect for parties or on-the-go meals.

Another creative way to enjoy this dish is to layer the tamale pie filling in a baking dish with alternating layers of cornbread batter. Bake until the cornbread is cooked through and golden brown, creating a delectable tamale pie lasagna. Serve generous squares with a side of avocado salsa and a squeeze of fresh lime for a festive and hearty meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Spicy Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef to create a lighter variation.

What can I use in place of raisins if I don’t have any?

Dried cranberries or chopped dates work well to add a bit of sweetness and texture in place of raisins.

Can I prepare the filling in advance and add the cornbread topping before baking?

Yes, assemble the filling and refrigerate. Add cornbread topping and bake just before serving for best results.

How can I make a vegetarian version of this Hot Tamale Pie?

Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a satisfying vegetarian casserole.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed diving into the flavors and heartiness of this Mexican Hot Tamale Pie! It’s a dish that never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction to the table, making it a go-to for gatherings and cozy nights in. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Whether you stick to the classic beef version or opt for a lighter twist with turkey or plant-based alternatives, each bite of this savory and slightly sweet pie is sure to delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and accompaniments, like a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro, to elevate the flavors even more.

So go ahead, share this comforting Mexican Hot Tamale Pie with your loved ones, and let it become a staple in your recipe collection. With its rich history and adaptability, this dish is bound to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious slice of this flavorful casserole!