Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare cornbread topping.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, corn kernels, and milk.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Set aside.

3. Cook ground beef.

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

4. Season ground beef

• Add the chili powder, salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder to the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Layer Ingredients

• Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the enchilada sauce over the ground beef, spreading it out to cover the meat.

6. Add cheese and cornbread topping.

• Sprinkle the grated Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the enchilada sauce.
• Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the cheese layer, covering it completely.

7. Bake

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.

8. Garnish and serve

• Remove the tamale pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For added heat, you can add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
• Feel free to customize the filling with additional ingredients such as black beans, diced bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and texture.

Keto Version:

• To make a keto-friendly version of this tamale pie, you can use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the cornbread topping. Substitute the corn kernels with diced bell peppers or jalapeños for added flavor and texture. Use a keto-friendly enchilada sauce or make your own using tomato sauce, spices, and a keto-approved sweetener. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.

Low-Carb Version:

• Follow the keto version substitutions mentioned above, but you can also reduce the amount of cornmeal or omit it altogether to lower the carb content further.

In conclusion, Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. With its savory ground beef filling, zesty enchilada sauce, and comforting cornbread topping, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a flavorful fiesta with this delicious tamale pie recipe. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or enjoying leftovers for lunch tomorrow, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting warmth of this Easy Cheesy Tamale Pie!