Beef Tamale Pie: A Flavor-Packed, Comforting Classic

Craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Beef Tamale Pie! It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, combining the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with the comforting sweetness of a cornbread-like topping. 

Think of it as a deconstructed tamale, easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies  
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Add the beef broth and corn, and then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in cilantro if using.
3. Prepare the Cornbread Topping: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the beef filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef filling. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Add a can of black beans or pinto beans to the beef filling for extra protein and fiber.
• Spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
• For a sweeter topping, add a tablespoon of honey to the cornbread batter.
• Garnish with sour cream, avocado, or salsa for added flavor.

Conclusion:

This Beef Tamale Pie is a delightful and fuss-free way to enjoy the comforting flavors of tamales without all the work. The combination of the savory, slightly spicy beef filling and the sweet, fluffy cornbread topping creates a truly satisfying meal. It's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up a warm and comforting dish. The easy preparation and customizable ingredients make it a recipe you'll come back to time and time again. So, grab your skillet, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure comfort! Enjoy!