Stove Top Tamale Pie

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Stove Top Tamale Pie, a one-pan wonder that's as comforting as it is quick to make. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, and aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin, all simmered into a rich base and topped with a creamy layer of homemade cornmeal "tamale." Done entirely on the stovetop in just 30 minutes, this rustic dish skips the oven but delivers all the satisfying, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors you crave. Finish it with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an irresistible dish that’s sure to be a family favorite. Easy, delicious, and budget-friendly, Stove Top Tamale Pie is the definition of comfort food made simple.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups water
• 3 quarters of a cup yellow cornmeal
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, ensuring there are no lumps, and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.

Step 5

Spoon the thickened cornmeal mixture evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Spread it out with a spatula to cover the meat mixture completely.

Step 6

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cornmeal topping to set.

Step 7

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, straight from the skillet. Enjoy your Stove Top Tamale Pie!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2568.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3283.5

Total Fat 120.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 381.1mg	0%
Sodium 3262.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 446.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.6g	0%
Total Sugars 40.0g
Protein 138.1g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 634.1mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 3936.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.6%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 52.2%