Discover the ultimate comfort food for any pork enthusiast with this incredibly flavorful and hearty Tamale Pie. Packed with savory chorizo, crispy bacon, and tender ground pork, this dish delivers an unforgettable culinary experience that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly delicious.
There are some places where the weather keeps you on your toes, and Utah is certainly one of them. One day you’re basking in glorious 70-degree sunshine, feeling the first whispers of spring, and the next, you’re bracing for a sudden dip to the high 40s. It’s a delightful unpredictability that reminds us that even when the calendar signals spring, it’s never quite time to bid farewell to our cherished comfort foods or pack away those cozy sweaters.
Living here for many years has taught me that spring in Utah can still surprise you with an April or even May snowstorm. This quirky climate perfectly justifies keeping a repertoire of warming, hearty meals at hand, no matter the season. While winter naturally calls for steaming bowls of goodness, there’s always a place in my heart (and on my dinner table) for a comforting meal, even when the days get longer. Sometimes, you just crave that deep, soul-satisfying warmth that only a truly exceptional dish can provide. This Tamale Pie, brimming with a triple threat of pork, fits that bill perfectly.
This particular recipe entered my life quite serendipitously. I had been making my way through the March issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray, already having enjoyed several dishes. I planned to file it away for future reference, but fate had other plans. One evening, my husband and I were watching a recorded episode of The Rachael Ray Show, and she was preparing this very Tamale Pie. From the moment it appeared on screen, my husband was captivated. He kept talking about how incredible it looked, a rare and enthusiastic endorsement from him! Such an unequivocal request from him is uncommon, but it immediately brought that magazine issue back out, and this “Pork Lover’s Tamale Pie” quickly secured its spot on our weekly menu.
A Pork Lover’s Dream Come True
My husband rarely makes meal requests, but after tasting this dish, I found myself wishing he would do it far more often. This Tamale Pie isn’t an everyday meal – it’s a special occasion, a once-in-a-while indulgence that truly rewards. If you consider yourself a true aficionado of pork, this is unequivocally a recipe you simply cannot afford to miss. It embodies everything wonderful about a tamale pie: it’s incredibly comforting, delivers a delightful spicy kick, and offers a rich, complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
What sets this particular Tamale Pie apart is its generous and harmonious blend of pork varieties. We’re talking about a powerhouse combination of spicy Mexican chorizo, smoky bits of finely chopped bacon, and robust ground pork. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing distinct layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish beyond a simple casserole. The chorizo brings a vibrant, zesty heat, the bacon adds irresistible crunch and a deep, umami richness, while the ground pork forms the hearty, savory base. Together, they create a filling that is exceptionally flavorful and satisfying, perfectly balanced with aromatic spices like thyme, chili powder, and ground coriander, along with the foundational flavors of onion and garlic.
The Magic of Cast Iron and Creamy Topping
Beyond the incredible filling, there’s something inherently magical about a meal cooked and served in a cast iron pan. It adds a rustic charm and a distinct depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. The cast iron pan ensures even cooking and a beautiful crust, transforming a simple dinner into a truly special occasion. This pie takes full advantage of that, creating a dish that feels authentically homemade and wonderfully comforting.
But the star quality doesn’t end with the savory pork filling. The crowning glory of this Tamale Pie is its luscious cornmeal topping. Prepared with milk, boiling water, butter, and a touch of honey, this cornmeal layer is whisked until wonderfully thick and creamy. It provides a delightful contrast to the spicy, meaty filling below, offering a slightly sweet and incredibly comforting blanket that’s then generously topped with shredded cheddar cheese. A quick trip under the broiler transforms the cheese into a bubbly, golden, irresistible crust, sealing in all the delicious flavors and adding another layer of texture. The combination of the rich, spicy pork and the sweet, creamy cornmeal creates a harmony of flavors that is simply sublime.
More Than Just a Meal: A Comfort Experience
This Tamale Pie isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating an experience. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for those unpredictable weather days or any evening when you need a little culinary hug. Serving it directly from the skillet to the table adds to its rustic appeal and makes for an effortless presentation. Garnished with fresh cilantro and vibrant green onions, each serving is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined thoughtfully to create something truly extraordinary.
Whether you’re battling a sudden cold snap, seeking a robust family dinner, or simply looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make dish to share with loved ones, this Pork Lover’s Tamale Pie is your answer. Its layers of flavor, comforting textures, and the joyful ease of preparing it in a single skillet make it a recipe you’ll undoubtedly cherish and return to time and time again. Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food experience!
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Pork Lover’s Tamale Pie
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Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups boiling water
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 oz. Mexican chorizo, casings removed
- 4 slices bacon finely chopped
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with chiles, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnishing
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, gently warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal until well combined, then slowly add the boiling water, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens significantly, typically taking 15-20 minutes. Season the creamy cornmeal mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the butter and honey until fully incorporated and melted.
- While the cornmeal cooks, preheat your broiler. In a large, ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo (casings removed, if applicable) and the finely chopped bacon to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bacon to crisp slightly. Next, add the ground pork to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is thoroughly browned, which should take approximately 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary. Season the cooked pork mixture with dried thyme, chili powder, ground coriander, and additional salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another few minutes until softened and fragrant. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and let it simmer for 1 minute, deglazing the pan. Finally, add the drained diced tomatoes with chiles and cook until the mixture is heated through and bubbling gently.
- Once the pork filling is ready, carefully spoon the thick, creamy cornmeal mixture evenly over the top of the hot pork. Spread it to the edges of the skillet to form a smooth crust. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cornmeal layer. Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler and cook for a few minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from the broiler and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve the Pork Lover’s Tamale Pie directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!