Name: Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz); 1 cup corn kernels; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 box cornbread mix (8.5 oz); 1 egg; ⅓ cup milk

When comfort food meets Tex-Mex flavor, you get Texas Tamale Pie Casserole. This dish is everything a weeknight dinner should be: quick, hearty, and packed with bold taste. With a savory base of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and sweet corn topped with a golden, cornbread-like crust, this casserole delivers all the tamale flavor without the fuss.

It’s a favorite in our kitchen for its versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy gathering, this casserole satisfies with every slice. It’s a layered, baked one-dish wonder that combines the essence of tamales with the ease of a casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

This dish strikes the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The seasoned meat brings savory warmth, while the cornbread topping offers a sweet, fluffy contrast. It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first round. Best of all, it uses pantry staples, so it comes together effortlessly on busy days.

What Kind of Cornbread Should I Use?

A standard boxed cornbread mix like Jiffy works well and keeps things easy, but you can also use homemade cornbread batter if you’re feeling extra. Just make sure the mixture isn’t too thick; you want it to spread easily over the beef layer. The slightly sweet cornbread balances the spicy, cheesy filling underneath.

Ingredients for the Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

This recipe uses accessible ingredients to create big flavor. Every component plays a role in bringing that familiar tamale taste to life without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ground beef provides the hearty base and soaks up all the spices.

Onion adds depth and a slight sweetness when sautéed with the beef.

Garlic enhances the meat mixture with rich, aromatic flavor.

Taco seasoning delivers that classic Tex-Mex spice blend instantly.

Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies add juiciness and a touch of heat.

Corn kernels bring sweetness and texture to the filling.

Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness, uniting all the ingredients.

Cornbread mix forms the signature golden crust of this dish.

Egg and milk help bind the cornbread topping and give it a tender crumb.

How To Make the Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning, then mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and corn. Let simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 2: Preheat and Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the meat mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 3: Mix the Cornbread Topping

In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions, usually with egg and milk. Pour the batter over the cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover the surface.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving and Storing Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

This casserole feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. Let it cool slightly before serving so the layers set up nicely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven covered with foil.

What to Serve With Texas Tamale Pie Casserole?

Mexican Rice

The fluffy texture and tomato flavor complement the bold casserole perfectly.

Guacamole

Creamy and cool, guacamole provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced casserole.

Black Beans

Simple and hearty, black beans round out the meal with extra fiber and protein.

Fresh Salsa

A scoop of zesty tomato salsa brightens up every bite.

Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang that cuts through the richness.

Shredded Lettuce

For a little crunch and freshness, serve some shredded lettuce on the side or on top.

Tortilla Chips

Great for scooping up bites or adding crunch along the edges.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like it hot, these add extra kick and contrast to the sweet cornbread topping.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Texas Tamale Pie Casserole hit the spot, check out these delicious ideas too:

• Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe when you want even more Tex-Mex baked goodness.

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a fun pasta twist on classic enchiladas.

• Chicken Pot Pie Bake with Cheddar Bay Biscuits brings comforting Southern flair to the table.

• Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef for a lighter but still hearty alternative.

• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake offers another family-style meal with cheesy comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest casserole board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know how it turned out for you! Did you add jalapeños to the filling? Maybe switch up the cheese? I always love hearing how you personalize these recipes.

Explore more cozy casseroles, Tex-Mex dinners, and health-boosting bites over on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole is your go-to when you’re craving something warm, filling, and flavorful with minimal fuss. It wraps all the best parts of tamales into a one-pan bake that’s weeknight-ready and crowd-pleasing. Give it a try and you might just find a new family favorite.