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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.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors combine.
  5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
  6. In a bowl, prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions with egg and milk.
  7. Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it to cover the top.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Let melt for a few minutes before serving.
  10. 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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/easy-skillet-tamale-pie/