Granny’s Tamale Pie – Hearty, Flavorful, and Comforting

Granny’s Tamale Pie is a comforting, old-fashioned dish that brings the flavors of a classic tamale to your dinner table — without all the work of wrapping and steaming. Featuring a savory seasoned beef and bean filling, topped with a golden, tender cornbread crust, this lighter take on the traditional recipe is perfect for a cozy family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Tamale Flavor – Spiced meat, beans, and corn deliver authentic taste.
Easy One-Dish Meal – Everything cooks together in one pan for convenience.
Lighter Ingredients – Smart swaps keep it hearty without being heavy.
Weeknight Friendly – Quick prep makes this a great go-to dinner idea.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the topping:

• ⅔ cup yellow cornmeal
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 tbsp light butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce, and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes, then transfer to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Cornbread Topping
In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat egg with milk and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.

3. Assemble and Bake
Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until topping is golden and cooked through.

4. Serve Warm
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of light sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 290
Protein: 19g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Spice – Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Don’t Overmix Cornbread – Stir just until combined for a tender crust.
• Optional Topping – Sprinkle a little shredded reduced-fat cheese on top before baking.

Why This Recipe Works

This tamale pie brings all the rich, satisfying flavors of traditional tamales in a much simpler, lighter package. The hearty filling is packed with protein and fiber, while the golden cornbread topping adds just the right touch of sweetness and texture.

Granny’s Tamale Pie is a warm, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With its flavorful filling and golden crust, this lighter twist on a nostalgic classic will have everyone asking for seconds.