Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie: A Hearty and Delicious Family Favorite

Tamale Pie is the ultimate comfort food, bringing all the rich, savory flavors of traditional tamales into an easy-to-make casserole. This recipe, inspired by the hearty and wholesome cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is packed with seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and topped with a cheesy cornbread that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

A slice of Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie garnished with sour cream and fresh cilantro, highlighting the layers of filling and cornbread crust.

This satisfying dish is truly a meal in itself, but if you’re hosting a larger gathering or want to make it extra special, consider serving this Pioneer Woman tamale pie alongside a refreshing layered taco salad, some zesty raspberry margaritas, and a classic 7-layer dip for a complete Tex-Mex feast.

Key Ingredients for the Best Tamale Pie

Let’s dive into the essential components that make this Pioneer Woman tamale pie so flavorful and comforting. You can find the complete ingredient list in the recipe card below.

Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a bit of fat content, as this adds richness and depth of flavor to the filling.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring a smoky sweetness that elevates the dish. Diced tomatoes are a fine substitute if you can’t find fire-roasted.
Cornmeal: Yellow cornmeal is the traditional choice for tamales and provides that authentic flavor, but white cornmeal will also work beautifully in the cornbread topping.
Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the topping to ensure a moist and tender texture.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk will contribute to the richness of the cornbread.
Cheese: For a robust cheesy flavor, use shredded extra sharp or sharp cheddar cheese. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese are also excellent choices for a milder taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie

Here’s a simplified overview of how to create this delicious Pioneer Woman tamale pie. For detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this article.

First, start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is partially cooked, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno to the skillet. Continue to cook until the ground beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened.

Next, reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, incorporate the fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin into the mixture. Let this flavorful filling simmer for approximately 10 minutes while you prepare the cornbread topping.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the topping: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Afterward, blend in the wet ingredients: sour cream, milk, beaten eggs, oil, cheese, and corn. Mix everything just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Spread the savory meat mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Spoon the cornbread batter over the meat filling, using a spatula to ensure an even layer. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional cheese and jalapeno rings on top. Finally, bake in a preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is cooked through and beautifully golden brown.

A sequence of images showing steps in making Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie, including mixing dry ingredients for cornbread topping and spreading the topping over the meat filling.

Tips for Perfecting Your Tamale Pie

Feel free to experiment with protein! Ground turkey, pork, or chicken can be used as a delicious substitute for ground beef.
If fire-roasted tomatoes are unavailable, diced or crushed tomatoes will work just as well.
Adjust the spice level to your preference. For those sensitive to heat, either omit the jalapenos or use mild green chiles instead.
If you notice the tamale pie browning too quickly in the oven before the topping is fully set, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Allow the tamale pie to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to slice and serve neatly. A sharp knife and sturdy spatula are your best tools for serving.
Get creative with toppings! Sour cream, black olives, extra jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro can all add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Tamale Pie

To create a balanced and satisfying meal around your Pioneer Woman tamale pie, consider pairing it with some light and fresh side dishes. Mexican coleslaw or a Doritos taco salad offer a cool and crunchy contrast to the rich casserole. Other fantastic side options include refried beans, cilantro lime rice, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, or even bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers for those who love extra spice.

Storing and Reheating Your Tamale Pie Leftovers

Leftover Pioneer Woman tamale pie is just as delicious the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, the microwave works great at a reduced power setting to prevent drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the tamale pie for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly in two layers of plastic wrap. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A complete Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie, showcasing the golden cornbread crust and savory filling, ready to be served.

Explore More Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes

Looking for more delicious Tex-Mex dishes to try? Here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

[Mexican Pizzas loaded with refried beans, taco seasoned ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.

Mexican Pizzas ](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/mexican-pizza/)

[

Mexican Stuffed Pepper](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/mexican-stuffed-peppers/)

[Chicken Soft Tacos

Chicken Tacos](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/chicken-tacos/)

[

Beef Enchilada Casserole](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/beef-enchilada-casserole/)

[

Barbacoa Tacos](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/barbacoa-tacos/)

[

Chicken Enchiladas](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/easy-chicken-enchiladas/)

Pioneer Woman Inspired Tamale Pie Recipe

Enjoy this easy and family-friendly Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie, filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and tomatoes, all under a blanket of cheesy cornbread.

5 from 52 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Meal, Beef
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 412kcal
Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

Tamale Pie Filling

1½ lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red pepper, finely diced
1 jalapeno, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounces) can fire roasted tomatoes
1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained (reserve ½ cup for topping)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1½ tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin

Cornmeal Topping

¾ cup yellow cornmeal
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup sour cream
¾ cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for sprinkling on top)
1 jalapeno, sliced in rings
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease or spray an 11×7 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. After 3-4 minutes, add the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft.
Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, mix in the sour cream, milk, beaten eggs, oil, cheese, and reserved corn. Stir just until combined.
Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Top with the cornbread mixture using a spatula to even the top. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and jalapeno rings.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread topping comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes

Protein Variations: Substitute ground turkey, pork, or chicken for the ground beef if desired.
Tomato Options: You can substitute diced or crushed tomatoes if you can’t find fire-roasted tomatoes.
Spice Adjustment: If you are sensitive to spicy foods, omit the jalapenos or substitute them with a small can of drained green chiles.
Preventing Over-Browning: If the pie browns too much before the topping is completely set, loosely cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestion: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and a sturdy spatula to serve.
Optional Toppings: Top the casserole with sour cream, black olives, jalapenos, tomatoes, or cilantro as desired.

Nutrition Information

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