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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Healthy Aging Initiative

Extension's Healthy Aging Initiative (HAI) connects you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. Our programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education, and we offer careers in aging exploration programs for students.