Tamale Pie
📜 Collection: Elizabeth Knee Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unattributed | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic, comforting vintage Tamale Pie featuring a seasoned ground beef and olive filling sandwiched between layers of savory spiced cornmeal mush, topped with melted cheese.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 45 mins | None | 6 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Saucepan
- Skillet
- Casserole dish
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Cornmeal Mush Layer
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 1/2 cups | Water | |
| 1 cup | Cornmeal | |
| 1 tsp | Salt | |
| 2 tbsp | Olive Oil | |
| 1 tbsp | Chili Powder |
Meat Filling & Topping
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green Bell Pepper | chopped |
| 1 | Onion | chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Water | boiling |
| 1/4 cup | Oil | for browning |
| 1 lb | Ground Beef | |
| 1 tsp | Salt | |
| 2 tsp | Chili Powder | |
| 1 tsp | Cumin | |
| to taste | Garlic | minced or powdered |
| 1 large can | Canned Tomatoes | |
| 3/4 cup | Olives | chopped |
| 1/2 cup | Cheese | grated |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornmeal Mush
- In a saucepan, combine 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp chili powder.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes very thick and holds its shape.
- Spread 2/3 of the cornmeal mush evenly into the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Save the remaining 1/3 of the cornmeal mush to use later for the top layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling
- Chop 1 green pepper and 1 onion. Pour 1/4 cup boiling water over them, then brown them in 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and garlic to taste. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the meat is almost done and no longer pink.
- Stir in 1 large can of tomatoes and 3/4 cup chopped olives. Cook down until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the prepared meat filling over the bottom layer of mush in the casserole dish.
- Spread the remaining 1/3 of the cornmeal mush evenly over the top of the meat layer.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The cornmeal mush and meat filling can be prepared and assembled in the casserole dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Original Recipe Scan
