Get all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional tamales with a fraction of the effort. This Easy Tamale Pie is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner. It features a deeply savory, saucy ground beef base spiked with chili powder and mild green chiles, all topped with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. It is a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together effortlessly in an oven-safe skillet—meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner.

Easy Tamale Pie
Level: Easy Prep: Yield: 8 servings
Total: 45 minutes Inactive:  Serving Size: 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (10 fl oz) enchilada sauce
  • 2 cans (4.5 oz each) chopped green chiles
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 box corn bread mix (milk and egg needed - as directed on the box)

Directions

1. Cook ground beef in an oven-safe skillet for 7-10 minutes or until fully cooked over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Drain fat.
2. Add enchilada sauce, one can of chiles, and chili powder to the pan with the meat. Mix thoroughly and top with 1 cup of cheese
3. Prepare corn bread batter as instructed on the box, and add the last can of green chilis and ½ cup of cheese. Gently pour batter on top of the ground meat mixture. 
4. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown. 

Daigle, W., and Weding, H. 2026, Easy Tamale Pie, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes

Extension Associated Contacts

Natalie Mazzullo
Natalie Mazzullo
Hans Weding
Hans Weding
 

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