Mohamed Shili The Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie combines vegetable oil, ground beef, chorizo, onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, kidney beans, adobo sauce, corn muffin mix, and pepper jack cheese. This simple-to-make dish is a filling dinner that you can get on the table in about 45 minutes and serves up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound fresh chorizo, casings removed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chopped tomatoes
- 1 can (19 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, from a can of chipotle chiles
- 2 boxes (8.5 ounces each) corn muffin mix (e.g., Jiffy), plus ingredients listed on the package to prepare the mix
- 3 cups grated pepper jack cheese, divided (about 8 ounces)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the pie.
- Prepare the skillet: Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. This pan will go from stove to oven, so make sure it’s oven-safe.
- Cook the meats: Add the ground beef and chorizo to the skillet. Crumble with a wooden spoon and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add beans and seasonings: Mix in the chopped tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and adobo sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently to blend the flavors, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the cornbread topping: While the filling simmers, prepare the corn muffin mix according to the package instructions. Stir in 2 cups of the grated pepper jack cheese into the batter.
- Assemble the pie: Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully spread the corn muffin batter over the meat mixture, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along the edges to prevent spillover.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the cornbread batter. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: After baking, allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
Recipe Tips
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce grease in the dish. This ensures your pie isn’t soggy and maintains a good texture throughout.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and measure out your spices before you start cooking. This streamlines the cooking process and keeps your kitchen tidy.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of adobo sauce based on your preference for spiciness. Start with a tablespoon and add more if you like it hot.
- Check Your Cornbread: Insert a toothpick into the cornbread topping at 15 minutes. If it comes out clean, it’s done; if not, give it a few more minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the pie to rest for about five minutes after baking. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing much easier.
What To Serve With Tamale Pie
Serve your Tamale Pie by serving with creative and flavorful sides like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, creamy avocado slaw, charred corn salad, and pickled red onions for a refreshing touch.
You can also pair it with sweet potato fries tossed in smoked paprika or a quinoa salad with black beans and mango for a unique twist.
How To Store Leftovers Tamale Pie
Refrigerate: Cool the Tamale Pie to room temperature before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s tightly covered to maintain freshness.
Freeze: Freezing Tamale Pie is not recommended as the cornbread topping can become soggy and lose its texture when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or from the refrigerator.
How To Reheat Leftovers Tamale Pie
In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover Tamale Pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it lightly with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the Tamale Pie to a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
In The Air Fryer: Reheat slices of Tamale Pie in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes. Ensure not to overcrowd the basket for best results.
Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving ( 1 Cup | 177g )
- Calories 356
- Total Fat 16g
- Saturated Fat 5.9g
- Trans Fat 0.4g
- Cholesterol 78mg
- Sodium 830mg
- Potassium 487mg
- Total Carbohydrate 35g
- Dietary Fiber 3.9g
- Sugars 9.4g
- Protein 19g
- Vitamin A 10%
- Vitamin C 6%
- Calcium 12%
- Iron 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Beans in Tamale Pie?
Yes, you can use different types of beans in Tamale Pie to suit your taste or availability. Black beans or pinto beans are excellent alternatives to kidney beans. They offer similar textures and flavors that blend well with the other ingredients in the pie.
How Can I Make the Cornbread Topping Crispier?
For a crispier cornbread topping, preheat your oven a bit higher initially or place the pie under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to avoid burning. This technique will give the topping a delightful crunch.
What Kind of Cheese Can I Use If I Don’t Have Pepper Jack?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are suitable substitutes if you don’t have pepper jack cheese. These cheeses melt well and complement the spicy elements of the dish without overpowering it.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie
Description
The Pioneer Woman Tamale Pie combines vegetable oil, ground beef, chorizo, onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, kidney beans, adobo sauce, corn muffin mix, and pepper jack cheese. This simple-to-make dish is a filling dinner that you can get on the table in about 45 minutes and serves up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the pie.
- Prepare the skillet: Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. This pan will go from stove to oven, so make sure it’s oven-safe.
- Cook the meats: Add the ground beef and chorizo to the skillet. Crumble with a wooden spoon and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add beans and seasonings: Mix in the chopped tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and adobo sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently to blend the flavors, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the cornbread topping: While the filling simmers, prepare the corn muffin mix according to the package instructions. Stir in 2 cups of the grated pepper jack cheese into the batter.
- Assemble the pie: Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully spread the corn muffin batter over the meat mixture, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along the edges to prevent spillover.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the cornbread batter. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: After baking, allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
