Name: Texas Tamale Pie Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (16 oz) refried beans; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 package of tamale pie filling (available at most grocery stores)

Imagine a warm, tender, and fluffy tamale pie casserole, filled with the rich flavors of Texas, right in the comfort of your own home. This is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of the Lone Star State’s finest traditions, carefully crafted to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

If you’re a fan of tamales, or just looking for a hearty family dinner idea, this tamale pie casserole is a game-changer. For a similar twist on classic tamales, check out our recipe for Pan-Seared Tamales with Pineapple Salsa – it’s a perfect way to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.

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2 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package of tamale pie filling (available at most grocery stores)

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it combines the comfort of a casserole with the bold flavors of Texas, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare and cook, thanks to the help of tamale pie filling and store-bought cornmeal.
The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.

Key Ingredients

For the most authentic flavor, look for cornmeal that’s specifically labeled as “Texas-style” or “masa harina.” This type of cornmeal is made from dried and ground corn kernels that have been treated with lime, giving them a distinctive flavor and texture. If you can’t find masa harina, you can substitute it with regular cornmeal, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

When it comes to cheese, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is essential for the best flavor. You can also add some shredded pepper jack or Colby jack for an extra kick. Don’t overdo it, though – you want the cheese to be evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

TEXAS TAMALE PIE CASSEROLE - Best Family Dinner

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 cups cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (16 oz) refried beans

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 package of tamale pie filling (available at most grocery stores)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and stir until well combined.

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and cook until the liquid has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the refried beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Pour the cornmeal mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the cooked tomato mixture, followed by the tamale pie filling. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Leftover tamale pie casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover tamale pie casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months and thaw when ready to reheat.