Tamale Pie aka Meat and Corn with Cornmeal on Top

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Tamale Pie aka Meat and Corn with Cornmeal on Top
This Mexican-inspired casserole is a Cajun favorite—layers of seasoned ground beef, corn, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese topped with a golden cornmeal crust. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 can 14-16 oz whole kernel corn drained
  • 2 small 8 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder/seasoning or taco seasoning
  • 1 cup minced onion
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the ground meat and sauté the onions until wilted, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  2. Add the drained corn, tomato sauce and chili seasoning/taco seasoning to meat mixture. Mix well and pour into a 13x9 pan and sprinkle one cup of cheese on top of meat mixture.
  3. To make cornmeal mush: Bring 4 cups water to boil with 1 teaspoon salt. In a bowl mix 1 and 1/2 cup corn meal to 1 and 1/2 cup cold water, mix well and pour into boiling water. Stir over low heat for 5 minutes until thickened. Pour mush over mixture in pan and spread evenly.
  4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook for 20 minutes until cornmeal topping is set. Turn oven off and sprinkle remaining cheese on top and leave in oven till melted, about 5 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cornmeal topping lumpy?

A: Make sure to mix the cornmeal with cold water first before adding it to the boiling water. This prevents clumping. Stir constantly while cooking the mush for smooth results.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Tips and Techniques

For extra flavor, add a diced jalapeño or bell pepper when sautéing the onions. You can also mix some of the cheese into the meat layer for extra richness. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce on the side.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or ground chicken
  • cheddar cheese: Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack
  • chili powder: Cajun seasoning or Tony Chachere's
  • whole kernel corn: frozen corn, thawed and drained

Equipment Needed

  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl

Historical Context

Tamale pie became popular in the American Southwest in the early 1900s as a simplified, casserole version of traditional Mexican tamales. It made its way to Louisiana where it was embraced as an easy, affordable family meal that could feed a crowd.