Name: Easy Skillet Tamale Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp taco seasoning or chili powder blend; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel); 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided; 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix (such as Jiffy); 1 egg; 1/3 cup milk (per cornbread mix instructions); 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Skillet Tamale Pie has all the bold, savory flavors of tamales but is much quicker and easier to prepare. Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup. The combination of spiced beef, tender cornbread topping, and melted cheese makes this dish comforting and satisfying. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Taco seasoning or chili powder blend
Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
Canned corn, drained
Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
Egg
Milk
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions using egg and milk.
Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet, spreading it to cover the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Let it melt for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Chicken tamale pie: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken.
Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add extra beans and veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
Cheesy crust: Mix shredded cheese directly into the cornbread batter for an extra cheesy top layer.
Sweet corn twist: Add a small can of creamed corn to the cornbread mix for more flavor and moisture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire skillet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. To freeze, let the tamale pie cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cornbread instead of mix?

Yes, any cornbread recipe works as long as it’s thick enough to spread over the beef mixture.

Can I make this without an oven-safe skillet?

Absolutely—just transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish before adding the cornbread topping.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the beef layer and refrigerate it. Add the cornbread topping just before baking.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

It should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.

What toppings go well with tamale pie?

Try sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, or pickled jalapeños.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner substitute and still full of flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes and reheats very well—perfect for meal prep.

What sides go well with tamale pie?

Serve with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Easy Skillet Tamale Pie is the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and comforting flavors—all in one pan. With its flavorful beef base, fluffy cornbread topping, and melty cheese, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this tamale pie is sure to become a go-to favorite for its ease, taste, and classic comfort.

Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

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Easy Skillet Tamale Pie is a hearty Tex-Mex inspired dish made with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a cheesy cornbread topping. Baked to golden perfection in one skillet, it delivers all the comfort of tamales in a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven-Baked Skillet
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors combine.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
In a bowl, prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions with egg and milk.
Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it to cover the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Let melt for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
Mix cheese directly into cornbread batter for a cheesy crust.
Can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra beans or vegetables.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for an easy reheat meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of pie)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 95mg