Get ready to spice up your gatherings with these 18 mouth-watering tamale pie recipes! Tamales are a staple in many Latin American cultures, and when you add a flaky crust and a rich filling, it’s a match made in heaven. But why settle for just any tamale when you can take it to the next level by making a tamale pie? From classic beef to vegetarian black beans, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish to serve at a family dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next party, these spicy tamale pies are sure to please.
Stay tuned for the recipes that will make your taste buds do the salsa!
Classic Beef Tamale Pie
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this hearty beef tamale pie, packed with tender beef, creamy corn pudding, and crispy tortilla crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups cornmeal
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add garlic, corn kernels, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together cornmeal and grated cheese.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the beef mixture and top with the cornmeal mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a savory pie. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
3. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Add chicken mixture to pie crust, followed by shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Black Bean Tamale Pie
A flavorful and satisfying vegetarian twist on traditional tamale pie, packed with the goodness of black beans, corn, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until tender. Add black beans, corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
3. Arrange tortillas in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon bean and corn mixture over tortillas, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
4. Top with cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Pork Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this spicy pork tamale pie combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers and ground pork with the comfort of a warm, flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground pork over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in 9-inch pie dish. Fill with pork mixture.
5. Top with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Green Chile and Cheese Tamale Pie
This tamale pie combines the comforting flavors of traditional tamales with the creaminess of cheese and the spicy kick of green chile. Perfect for a unique dinner or party, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 cup roasted green chile peppers (see note)
– 1 can (16 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine green chile peppers, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Heat over medium heat until smooth.
3. Arrange corn tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Pour the green chile mixture over the tortillas.
5. Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle with cilantro.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Tamale Pie
Mexican Street Corn Tamale Pie: A Twist on Traditional Tamales!
This recipe combines the flavors of Mexico’s famous street corn with the comfort of a tamale pie. The result is a deliciously unique dish perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup grated cotija cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package corn tortillas (about 12-15)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in corn kernels, cilantro, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through.
5. In a separate pan or oven-safe skillet, warm tortillas over medium heat.
6. Assemble the pie by spreading half of the tamale mixture on the bottom layer of tortillas, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Tamale Pie
Elevate your tamale game with this unique fusion of tender pulled pork, creamy BBQ sauce, and crispy cornmeal crust. This show-stopping dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pulled pork
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the BBQ sauce over medium heat until warm.
3. Arrange 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spread half of the pulled pork and half of the shredded cheese on top of the tortillas.
5. Repeat layers: tortillas, pulled pork, and cheese.
6. Top with chopped cilantro and grated cheddar cheese.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamale Pie
This vibrant pie combines the comforting warmth of tamales with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a crispy cornmeal crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt to taste
– Vegetable oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, onion, garlic, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornmeal, cheese (if using), and egg until smooth.
4. Grease a 9-inch pie dish with vegetable oil.
5. Fill the pie crust with the sweet potato mixture and top with the cornmeal mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Tamale Pie
Elevate your tamale game with this creative twist on a classic dish. This Jalapeño Popper Tamale Pie combines the spicy kick of jalapeños, the creaminess of cheese, and the comfort of tamales in one delicious pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of corn husk tamales (about 12-15 tamales)
– 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped jalapeños
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped jalapeños and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Arrange the tamales in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the tamales, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Top with the cooked jalapeños and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Green Chile Tamale Pie
This tamale pie combines the flavors of traditional tamales with the comfort of a casserole, featuring tender turkey, roasted green chile peppers, and a crunchy cornmeal crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup roasted green chile peppers, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 cup cornmeal crust mix
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the turkey, green chile peppers, onion, and garlic until the turkey is browned.
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the corn kernels and shredded cheese.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil.
6. Layer the turkey mixture, corn kernel mixture, and cornmeal crust mix in that order.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Three-Cheese Tamale Pie
A twist on traditional tamales, this savory pie combines the comfort of a casserole with the flavors of Mexico. Perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; cook for an additional minute.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, queso fresco, and diced tomatoes.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture; stir until combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Beef Tamale Pie
Smoky Chipotle Beef Tamale Pie Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of smoky chipotle peppers and tender beef in this unique tamale-inspired pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, cilantro, chipotle peppers, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Roll out pie crust and place it in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Fill with the beef tamale mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Poblano and Corn Tamale Pie
This tamale pie combines the flavors of roasted poblanos, sweet corn, and savory masa harina for a unique and delicious twist on traditional tamales.
Ingredients:
– 4 large poblano peppers
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups cooked masa harina (corn dough)
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the poblanos by placing them on a baking sheet and drizzling with olive oil. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the skin, stem, and seeds from the poblanos, then chop into small pieces.
4. In a large skillet, combine the roasted poblano pieces, corn kernels, and cooked masa harina. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with grated cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro.
6. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Tamale Pie
Buffalo Chicken Tamale Pie: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
This creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish combines the flavors of buffalo chicken, tamales, and a crunchy cornbread crust. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 can (16 oz) tamales, whole kernel corn and green chili
– 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook chicken breasts in buffalo wing sauce until heated through.
3. In a separate pot, combine diced tomatoes and cornbread mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the pie by spreading half of the cornbread mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, followed by the cooked chicken, tamales, and remaining cornbread mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lentil and Mushroom Tamale Pie
This tamale-inspired pie combines the comfort of a casserole with the flavors of Mexico. Rich lentils and earthy mushrooms are wrapped in a crispy cornmeal crust, perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until tender. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Combine cooked lentils, mushroom mixture, and water or broth in a bowl. Mix well.
5. Roll out cornmeal dough to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill with the lentil-mushroom mixture and top with cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pineapple and Pork Tamale Pie
This sweet and savory pie combines the flavors of pineapple and pork with the traditional tamale filling, wrapped in a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 cup cooked pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup masa harina (tortilla flour)
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, cooked pineapple chunks, masa harina, lard or shortening, salt, cumin, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the tamale filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the crust over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp or flute the edge to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Zucchini and Corn Tamale Pie
This recipe combines the flavors of zucchini, corn, and tamale filling with the convenience of a single-crust pie. Perfect for a summer dinner or potluck, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked tamale filling
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until tender.
3. Add the cooked tamale filling, zucchini, and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Fill the pie crust with the tamale mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Tamale Pie
Bacon and Cheddar Tamales Pie Recipe
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this savory and satisfying Bacon and Cheddar Tamales Pie recipe! This creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 ounce) package of tamales
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place the tamales in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream.
4. Spoon the bacon-cheese mixture evenly over the tamales.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the top of the pie.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 delicious tamale pie recipes! From classic beef and cheesy chicken to vegetarian black bean and spicy pork, there’s something for every occasion. Try unique flavor combinations like green chile and cheese or sweet potato and black bean. Or, add some heat with jalapeño popper or smoky chipotle beef. These tamales are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something bold and new, these recipes have got you covered!
