Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of a tamale with the convenience of a one-pan meal. This comforting casserole features a savory ground beef and pepper filling, topped with a deliciously moist cornbread crust. The combination of spices, tender beef, and sweet cornbread creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this tamale pie is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning mix, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix well, then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef and pepper mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the tamale pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa if desired.
Enjoy this Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers as a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week, offering a delicious twist on traditional tamales with minimal effort.
