Ultimate Skillet Tamale Pie: An Easy Weeknight Meal with Jiffy Cornbread
Discover the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights: our Skillet Tamale Pie recipe. This hearty, savory dish is bursting with authentic Southwestern flavors, combining perfectly seasoned ground beef with a sweet, crumbly Jiffy cornbread topping. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big on taste without the fuss, making it arguably the best skillet tamale pie you’ll ever make at home. Infused with a harmonious blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic, every bite offers a satisfying experience that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Imagine getting a flavorful, homestyle meal on the table in under an hour! This easy one-pot meal is our go-to for satisfying Southern and Southwestern cravings. The sweet cornbread crust beautifully complements the rich, savory meat filling, creating a dynamic texture and flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. For an extra layer of complexity, serve this easy tamale pie with your favorite homemade or store-bought enchilada sauce. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeños to elevate the experience and add vibrant freshness.
This tamale pie casserole with Jiffy mix is not only incredibly easy but also incredibly satisfying. The delightful interplay of corn and green chiles creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes within the cheesy ground beef filling. It’s designed for those evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly but refuse to compromise on flavor. The robust, comforting taste makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s almost impossible to resist.
Round out your meal with classic sides like authentic refried beans, fresh pico de gallo, and your favorite queso with tortilla chips for a complete and flavorful Mexican-inspired feast. If you’re a fan of traditional tamales but crave a faster, simpler approach, this skillet tamale pie recipe offers all those beloved flavors in an approachable format.
Where Did Tamale Pie Originate? Unraveling Its Rich History
While tamales are deeply rooted in Mexican culinary traditions, the concept of “tamale pie” as we know it today is a distinctly North American invention. This comforting casserole is believed to have originated in Texas, with recipes dating back as far as World War I. It’s a testament to the cultural fusion that often occurs in border regions, blending classic tamale flavors with the American love for baked casseroles and pies, offering a delicious twist on a beloved food.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Skillet Tamale Pie Recipe
Creating an exceptional tamale pie begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
- Jiffy Mix: We love using the standard-size box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix for the topping. It’s the secret to achieving a perfectly moist, sweet, and crumbly cornbread crust that beautifully contrasts the savory filling. This convenient mix simplifies the baking process without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Egg: A single large egg acts as a crucial binder for the cornbread mixture, ensuring a cohesive and tender topping.
- Sour Cream: Any brand of sour cream will work wonders here. It adds richness, moisture, and a subtle tang to the cornbread, contributing to its irresistible tenderness.
- Creamed Corn: The addition of creamed corn to the cornbread batter provides extra sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall corn flavor and giving the crust a delightful texture.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef forms the hearty base of our tamale pie. Its savory flavor, when combined with our carefully selected seasonings, creates a rich and satisfying filling that’s truly the star of the dish.
- Onion: One small chopped onion, whether yellow, white, or sweet, is sautéed with the beef to build a foundational layer of aromatic flavor, adding depth to the entire pie.
- Seasoning: The magic of tamale pie lies in its vibrant spice blend. You’ll need ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices are carefully balanced to evoke the authentic, warm, and slightly smoky flavors characteristic of traditional tamales.
- Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles are a convenient and essential addition, providing a mild, earthy heat and a touch of tang that brightens the entire dish. No need for complex prep here!
- Enchilada Sauce: This ingredient ties all the flavors together. You can opt for your favorite store-bought red enchilada sauce for ultimate convenience, or if you have time, prepare a homemade version for an even deeper, more nuanced flavor.
- Cheese: We highly recommend using shredded Cheddar Jack cheese for its excellent melt and savory profile. However, any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even sharp cheddar will work wonderfully, adding a luscious, gooey layer to the pie.
- Optional Garnishes: Enhance your tamale pie with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, creamy avocado, and thinly sliced jalapeños for a burst of color, texture, and fresh flavor. These toppings are highly recommended for the full experience!
You’ll find the complete measurements and detailed instructions conveniently located at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card.
Crafting the Best Old-School Tamale Pie: Step-by-Step Guide
This savory, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned cheesy ground beef tamale pie is the ultimate dish for satisfying your cravings for sweet and savory Mexican-inspired comfort food. You’ll be amazed at how easily this delicious recipe comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for its even heat distribution and rustic presentation, this recipe can also be prepared with excellent results in either an 8×8-inch or a 9×9-inch casserole dish.
Step One: Prepare the Flavorful Meat Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In your chosen skillet or casserole dish, brown the lean ground beef with the chopped onion. As the beef cooks, add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to ensure the meat is thoroughly seasoned. When the meat is about halfway cooked, introduce the minced garlic and drained green chiles. Continue cooking until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Carefully drain any excess grease from the meat mixture, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
Step Two: Mix the Sweet Cornbread Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, one large egg, half a cup of sour cream, and half a cup of creamed corn. Stir these ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for a tender cornbread.
Step Three: Bake the Cornbread Base
Evenly spread the prepared cornbread batter into the bottom of your greased cast iron skillet or casserole dish. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cornbread is beautifully golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the skillet from the oven and set it aside.
Step Four: Assemble the Pie
Once the cornbread has baked, use the handle of a wooden spoon (or similar utensil) to carefully poke several holes across the surface of the cornbread. This step is key for allowing the rich enchilada sauce to seep into the cornbread, infusing it with extra flavor and moisture. Pour about ½ cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the cornbread, ensuring it penetrates into the holes. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
Next, spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the sauced cornbread layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese over the entire meat layer, creating a blanket of melty goodness.
Step Five: Final Bake and Serve
Return the tamale pie to the preheated oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden. This final bake allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Serve your skillet tamale pie hot, directly from the pan. Offer the remaining enchilada sauce on the side, along with a selection of fresh toppings such as cilantro, sliced black olives, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeño slices, allowing everyone to customize their serving to perfection. This makes for a delightful, interactive family dinner!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If this delicious Skillet Tamale Pie sounds like a winner, don’t let it get lost in your endless recipe scrolls! Be sure to save it to your Pinterest board. This way, you’ll always have this fantastic, easy weeknight meal idea at your fingertips whenever those Mexican food cravings strike. It’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again!
How to Reheat Tamale Pie for Delicious Leftovers
Tamale pie makes for excellent leftovers! To reheat individual portions, simply place a slice in the microwave and warm for one to two minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions or to reheat the entire pie, cover it loosely with foil and bake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until thoroughly hot and bubbly. This method helps the cornbread stay moist and prevents the cheese from drying out.
What to Serve with Tamale Pie?
This versatile ground beef tamale pie pairs beautifully with a variety of classic Mexican and Southwestern side dishes, creating a truly memorable meal. Consider serving it with:
- Restaurant-style refried beans for a creamy, savory accompaniment.
- Fluffy cilantro lime rice to add a bright, zesty freshness.
- A side of crispy nachos for added crunch and cheesy goodness.
- A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Grilled corn on the cob or a vibrant corn salad.
- Fresh salsa, guacamole, and extra sour cream or Greek yogurt for dolloping.
The possibilities are endless, and you might find yourself keeping this recipe around just for the delicious side dish inspiration alone!
Are Tamales Mexican? Exploring Their Cultural Significance
Yes, tamales are indeed a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. While tamale recipes and variations can be found throughout Latin and South America, their true origin is widely attributed to Mesoamerica, particularly Mexico. They represent a significant part of indigenous culinary heritage and continue to be a staple for celebrations and everyday meals. Our Jiffy cornbread tamale pie offers a fast and convenient way to enjoy those cherished Mexican flavors in a quick, satisfying weeknight skillet meal, blending tradition with modern ease.
More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re anything like us, you could enjoy Mexican food every single day without ever growing tired of it! Its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting qualities make it a perpetual favorite. Here are some other fantastic Mexican-inspired recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Authentic Pico de Gallo Recipe (pictured above)
- Refreshing Mexican Bean Salad
- Decadent Mexican Brownies
- Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Layered Bean Dip – Not Your Average!
- Quick Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Butter
- Fun Walking Taco Casserole
Ready to bring the vibrant flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table tonight? Let’s get cooking some incredible skillet tamale pie! 
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Print Recipe
Tamale Pie
Equipment
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup creamed corn
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 4 ounce can diced green chiles, drained
- 1 10 ounce can red enchilada sauce (I have a recipe for homemade on my site – you can use it or canned is fine)
- 8 ounces Cheddar Jack Cheese shredded
- Garnish with fresh cilantro sliced black olives and fresh jalapeño
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a cast iron skillet, brown ground beef with onion, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. When the meat mixture is about halfway done, add in the minced garlic and green chilies, cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the meat, remove meat from skillet, and it set aside.
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Combine Jiffy mix, egg, sour cream and creamed corn and pour into greased cast iron skillet.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cornbread. Pour ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the top, making sure it gets inside the holes. (keep the remaining sauce for serving)
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Top evenly with the meat mixture.
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Cover with shredded cheese.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.
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Serve with remaining enchilada sauce, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, avocado and jalapeño if desired.