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This one pot Tamale Pie is easy and delicious, made with ground beef, corn, enchilada sauce, and spices, topped with a tamale inspired masa topping. It's a cozy skillet dinner my family loves.
Why is Tamale Pie SO GOOD?! This is the cozy casserole I crave.
I'm obsessed with the flavors in tamale pie, and the complete comfort-of-a-dinner that it is. Plus you know I love a recipe that cooks in one pan!
This isn't your average tamale pie (no box of jiffy mix, here!). We use the good stuff to make a legit and EASY corn topping that bakes up like a soft cornbread over the saucy beef filling. My kids love this so much they take it as leftovers in their thermos for school lunch. It's flavorful and delicious and always on my mind when the cooler weather starts rolling in.
Try more of my one pan meals, like Pad Thai, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, Greek Chicken and Potatoes, Slow Cooker Lasagna, and Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi!
How to make Tamale Pie:
Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a deep skillet with a meat chopper, then add the diced onion and sauté a few minutes.
Make the Filling: Stir in the enchilada sauce, corn, chiles, chili powder, coriander, and cumin, and cook 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cheese.
Add Topping and Bake: Mix the masa topping and pour over the meat mixture, then bake at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes. Cool slightly and serve with avocado and sour cream, if desired.
Tamale Pie
Equipment
Ingredients
Meat Filling:
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, , finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 10 oz can red enchilada sauce, , or homemade
- 1 can creamed corn
- 8 oz can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Masa Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups Masa Harina, (corn flour)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Optional Topping Ideas:
- avocado, sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce
Instructions
- Filling: Cook ground beef in a deep 12-inch skillet* or cast iron pan, crumbling it into small pieces as it cooks, until browned. Add diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 minutes.1 ½ lbs lean ground beef, 1 yellow onion, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Add enchilada sauce, corn, chiles, chili powder, coriander, and cumin and cook for 5-10 minutes. Taste and add additional spices (chili powder, cumin, salt or pepper), as desired. Stir in cheese.10 oz can red enchilada sauce, 1 can creamed corn, 8 oz can diced green chiles, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- Make Topping: Mix the corn flour, baking powder and salt together. Stir in the chicken broth, milk, butter and cheese. Pour evenly over the top of meat mixture.1 ½ cups Masa Harina, 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup milk, ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup shredded cheese
- Bake 400 degrees F for 40 min. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve topped with avocado and sour cream, if desired.avocado, sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe March 2023. Updated September 2026.
I followed the recipe exactly as written. It looked great coming out of the oven. When it was served, puddles of grease ran all over our plates. The original cast iron skillet had a large amount of grease in it as well. I tipped the skillet to allow all the grease to puddle on the empty side. It took three paper towels to remove it. I did use 80/20 hamburger just like was written. In my opinion after cooking the hamburger, drain off the grease from it then add the rest of the ingredients as stated. I did question this when I was making it but it said to add everything to the burger. I should have went with my gut instincts to drain the hamburger!
Loved this! We all did. We made a vegetarian version too and it was great!
What size can of creamed corn, please?
A normal 14.75oz can of creamed corn. Enjoy!
I love tamales but would never go to all the trouble of actually make them. This recipe was very good! My husband and I both enjoyed this so much. Now when I am in the mood for a tamales, this will be my go to. Thank you so much!!
Great recipe
This tamale pie was excellent. I had no enchilada sauce so I made your homemade recipe, which was better than store-bought! I’m not keen on the “cornbread” texture of other recipes I’ve made so using masa made a delicious difference, more like a tamale. Thank you!!
Soooooo good!! The only difference I made was to add a drained can of black beans for a little more fiber and protein. I used your homemade enchilada sauce recipe too and I will never, ever buy canned sauce again! Delicious!
I’ve tried a lot of Tamale Pie recipes over the years, and this one is hands-down the best!
If you use the box jiffy cornbread do you still add the milk butter and cheese before pouring on top of the meat mixture?
I made this as directed with the addition of sliced olives, and served it as a one-dish meal. My husband commented, “That was so yummy! I would really like to have some more, but I’m just to full!” I will definitely make this again!
What ? He was full but wanted more 🧐😁