One-Pan Tamale Pie

Experience the ultimate in weeknight dining with this easy Skillet Tamale Pie Recipe. Warm, comforting, and incredibly simple to prepare, this delightful dish comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

If you’re a fan of effortless one-skillet meals, you’re in for a treat! Discover more quick and delicious options like these Skillet Shrimp Fajitas, this satisfying One Skillet Lasagna, or my personal favorite, One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff. These recipes are perfect for busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.

Master the Weeknight Meal with Skillet Tamale Pie

In today’s fast-paced world, finding dinner solutions that are both delicious and incredibly simple is a game-changer. That’s why I’ve been captivated by the magic of one-skillet meals. They consistently deliver on flavor while drastically cutting down on prep and cleanup time. This Skillet Tamale Pie is a shining example, offering a complete and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.

The allure of a one-skillet dish extends far beyond just ease of cooking. Imagine finishing a delicious dinner and looking around to find a kitchen that isn’t overwhelmed by stacks of dirty pots and pans. With a recipe like our Skillet Tamale Pie, you’re left with just one skillet and a few prep dishes, which can often be tidied away while your pie bakes to golden perfection in the oven. It’s a true win-win for both your dinner table and your post-meal cleanup routine!

This Skillet Tamale Pie isn’t just about convenience; it’s a celebration of rich, Tex-Mex inspired flavors. I dedicated considerable time to perfecting this recipe, ensuring it was neither too dry nor lacking in the vibrant taste tamale pie deserves. The result is a harmonious blend: a robust ground beef mixture seasoned generously with zesty taco seasoning and authentic enchilada sauce, all crowned with a moist, fluffy, and slightly sweet cornbread topping. The best part? Everyone gets to customize their slice with their favorite toppings, making each meal a personalized culinary adventure.

Prepare to fall in love with the sheer simplicity and incredible taste of this Skillet Tamale Pie. When dishes are this easy to make and exceptionally delicious, there’s no reason not to make them a staple in your meal rotation!

What Exactly is Skillet Tamale Pie?

Tamale pie is a beloved American casserole inspired by the rich flavors of traditional Mexican tamales. While classic tamales involve a corn masa dough spread over a filling, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed, tamale pie offers a much simpler, deconstructed approach. This skillet version takes that convenience a step further, combining a savory meat filling (typically seasoned ground beef) with a hearty cornbread topping, all baked in a single pan until golden and bubbly.

Our Skillet Tamale Pie recipe captures the essence of this comfort food classic, reimagined for modern kitchens and busy schedules. It delivers all the warm, spicy, and satisfying notes you’d expect from a tamale-inspired dish, but with the unparalleled ease of a one-pan meal. It’s perfect for families looking for a delicious yet straightforward dinner solution that pleases everyone at the table.

Why This Skillet Tamale Pie Will Be Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

There are countless reasons to make this Skillet Tamale Pie a regular feature in your home. From its incredible flavor to its unmatched convenience, it ticks all the boxes for a perfect family meal:

• Unbeatable One-Pan Convenience: The biggest advantage of this recipe is that everything, from browning the meat to baking the pie, happens in a single oven-safe skillet. This drastically reduces the number of dishes you’ll have to wash, freeing up precious time for other activities or simply relaxing after dinner.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, this hearty meal is on your table in under an hour. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich & Authentic Tex-Mex Flavors: The base of seasoned ground beef, vibrant taco seasoning, and savory enchilada sauce creates a deep, complex flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. This hearty filling is perfectly complemented by the slightly sweet and utterly moist cornbread topping. It’s a taste that transports you straight to your favorite Tex-Mex eatery.
• Customizable for Every Palate: One of the joys of tamale pie is its versatility with toppings. Whether you love a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocados, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or a kick from jalapeños, everyone can personalize their serving. This makes dinner interactive and fun for the whole family.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, and this Skillet Tamale Pie delivers just that. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a cool evening, offering a sense of warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
• Foolproof Recipe: After numerous tests and adjustments, this recipe has been finely tuned to ensure success. The detailed instructions guide you through each step, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. You can be confident that you’ll achieve a delicious result every time.

Key Ingredients for Your Skillet Tamale Pie

Crafting the perfect Skillet Tamale Pie relies on a balance of savory, spicy, and subtly sweet elements. Here’s a closer look at the essential ingredients you’ll need for both the hearty filling and the tender cornbread topping:

For the Savory Beef Filling:

• Ground Beef: I recommend 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, preferably 80/20 for good flavor without being overly greasy. It forms the robust, protein-packed foundation of the pie.
• Chopped Onion: Half a cup of chopped onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
• Taco Seasoning: Two teaspoons of taco seasoning are crucial for infusing the beef with authentic Tex-Mex flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought blend or even homemade taco seasoning for a fresher taste.
• Garlic Powder: One teaspoon of garlic powder enhances the savory notes and provides a pungent kick that complements the other spices.
• Mild Enchilada Sauce: A 10-ounce can of mild enchilada sauce binds the filling together, adding moisture, a rich red color, and a classic enchilada flavor without overpowering heat.

For the Golden Cornbread Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: Half a cup of flour provides structure to the cornbread, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
• Yellow Cornmeal: Half a cup of yellow cornmeal is the star here, giving the topping its signature texture and classic corn flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Two additional teaspoons of taco seasoning are incorporated into the cornbread, subtly tying the topping flavors to the savory filling below.
• Baking Powder: One teaspoon of baking powder acts as a leavening agent, creating a light and fluffy cornbread topping.
• Salt: Half a teaspoon of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cornbread.
• Egg: One large egg helps bind the topping ingredients and adds richness.
• Buttermilk: Half a cup of buttermilk is key for a moist and tender cornbread. Its acidity also reacts with the baking powder, promoting a better rise.
• Sour Cream: A third of a cup of sour cream adds another layer of creaminess and tang, contributing significantly to the topping’s moisture and tender crumb.
• Melted Butter: Two tablespoons of melted butter provide richness and a golden hue to the cornbread.
• Honey: One tablespoon of honey adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory beef filling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: You’ll need 1 cup for mixing into the cornbread topping and an additional 1 cup to sprinkle over the beef filling before adding the cornbread. This ensures cheesy goodness throughout.
• Desired Toppings: Don’t forget an array of fresh toppings like jalapeños, avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, or extra sour cream to elevate each serving.

How to Make Skillet Tamale Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to create a truly irresistible meal with these simple, clear instructions for your Skillet Tamale Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your pie is ready to bake, leading to even cooking and a perfectly set topping.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling: Place an oven-safe skillet (a 10-inch cast iron skillet is ideal, but a 12-inch will also work*) over medium heat on your stovetop. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and begin to brown it, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is almost cooked through, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onions, 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened.
3. Simmer the Filling: Pour in the 10-ounce can of mild enchilada sauce. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the mixture cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and the flavors have melded together. This step is crucial for a rich and flavorful base.
4. Craft the Cornbread Topping: While the beef filling simmers, prepare your delicious cornbread topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 2 teaspoons taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Crack the egg into the well and lightly beat it with a fork. Pour in the 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the Pie: Once your beef filling has finished simmering, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture. Next, dollop the prepared cornbread topping over the cheese layer. Gently spread the topping with the back of a spoon or a spatula to create an even layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the beef filling.
6. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the cornbread should come out clean.
7. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the Skillet Tamale Pie to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting it into wedges. This resting period helps the pie set, making it easier to serve clean slices. Garnish with your desired toppings and enjoy your homemade Tex-Mex masterpiece!

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Tamale Pie

• Choosing the Right Skillet: While a 12-inch oven-safe skillet will work, I highly recommend a 10-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. A 10-inch skillet yields a thicker, more satisfying layer of both the beef filling and the cornbread topping, creating a more balanced and hearty pie.
• Don’t Overmix the Cornbread: For a tender and moist cornbread topping, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough topping.
• Achieve a Deeply Flavored Filling: Allow the beef and enchilada sauce to simmer for the full 10 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring a rich and cohesive filling.
• Proper Resting Time is Key: Resist the urge to cut into your tamale pie immediately after it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest for 10 minutes allows the layers to set and makes for much cleaner, easier-to-serve wedges.
• Customize Your Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef filling, or include finely diced jalapeños in the cornbread topping.

Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas

This Skillet Tamale Pie is a complete meal on its own, but its versatility truly shines when you add a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. Encourage everyone at the table to customize their slice:

• Classic Toppings: Sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, salsa (mild or spicy), and an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
• For a Kick: Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Freshness Factor: Diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, black olives, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Pair your tamale pie with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, a side of black beans, or some fluffy Mexican rice for a truly authentic Tex-Mex experience.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Skillet Tamale Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave until warm through, or place the entire skillet (if applicable and enough pie remains) in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cornbread from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Tamale Pie

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any liquid before adding the seasonings and enchilada sauce.

Can I make Skillet Tamale Pie ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply reheat the filling in the skillet, prepare the cornbread topping, assemble, and bake as directed. You could also assemble the entire pie (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come closer to room temperature before baking, and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe uses mild enchilada sauce and taco seasoning, making it family-friendly with a moderate spice level. If you prefer more heat, you can use a hot enchilada sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling, or top with sliced jalapeños.

What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?

A canned mild red enchilada sauce works perfectly and keeps the recipe simple. Look for a brand you enjoy. You can also use homemade enchilada sauce if you have a favorite recipe.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Certainly! Feel free to incorporate drained corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, or green chiles into the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions to ensure they are tender.

Explore More Can’t-Miss Tex-Mex Recipes

If you’re craving more vibrant Tex-Mex flavors, be sure to try these other delicious recipes:

Crispy Shrimp Taco Recipe
Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburgers
Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe
Taco Casserole
White Chicken Enchiladas

Essential Tools for This Tamale Pie

A high-quality cast iron pan is my top recommendation for this recipe. You can use a 12-inch cast iron skillet, but I personally prefer a 10-inch for a thicker, more satisfying pie.

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