Easy One Pan Tamale Pie

Name: Easy One Pan Tamale Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 - 8
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 lb. ground beef; 2 1/2 c. frozen corn, thawed and divided; 4 tsp. chili powder, divided; 1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce; 6 oz. Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups) and divided; 1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix, plus milk and egg as directed on package; 1 (4-ounce) can diced mild Hatch chiles

This super simple dish is a great way to use ground beef.

By Christopher MichelUpdated: Jun 30, 2025

4.6

9 Ratings

Jump to recipe

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Yields:

6 - 8

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Tamale pie — a casserole of spiced ground beef and veggies topped with cornbread — is an all-time classic American comfort food. It's especially great to make in a cast-iron pan that you can quickly move from the stove top to the oven.

If you're looking for a way to use ground beef in a flavorfull, simple dinner that'll make the whole family happy, then you've just found your recipe for tonight!

The ground beef mixture can be made up to two days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
2 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed and divided
4 tsp. chili powder, divided
1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
6 oz. Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups) and divided
1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix, plus milk and egg as directed on package
1 (4-ounce) can diced mild Hatch chiles

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron or medium ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, just until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups corn, 2 teaspoons chili powder, enchilada sauce, and 1 cup Cheddar. Remove from heat.
2. Step 2Make cornbread according to package directions, adding Hatch chiles, remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar, 2 teaspoons chili powder, and 1 cup corn to the mixture. Spread over beef mixture. Bake until cornbread is cooked through, 42 to 45 minutes. Serve immediately.

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