My HomemadeTamale Pie is a combination of cheesy ground pork-topped cornbread and it’s to die for. I add a few secret ingredients to the store-bought cornbread mix that sends this dish over the top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yields: 8 servings
Equipment: 1 (12-inch) cast-iron skillet, 1 (12-inch) sauté pan, large mixing bowl, aluminum foil, chef’s knife, non-stick cooking spray

Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds of ground pork (substitute ground beef)
1 (15-ounce) box of Krusteaz honey cornbread
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup (4 ounces) of sour cream, room temperature
1/4 cup (2 ounces) of whole milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup cream-style corn
3/4 cup enchilada sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup onions, small dice
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoon of ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon of Kosher salt
1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
7 tablespoons of RO*TEL, drained
1/4 cup beef stock, unsalted
2 cups of shredded cheese, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack
1/2 cup of green onions, (white and green parts) thinly sliced, on the bias, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
First, wipe down the cast iron skillet with a paper towel that’s been lightly greased with vegetable oil. Follow the directions of the back of the corn bread box. To a large bowl, add the egg, milk, and vegetable oil. To those ingredients, add in 3 tablespoons of drained RO*TEL, (tomatoes with green chilies), cream corn, ricotta cheese, and sour cream mix to combine. Next, add the dry ingredients from the box. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into the cast-iron skillet. Bake for 20 minutes.

While the cornbread is in the oven baking, start the filling for the tamale pie.

In a large sauté pan, over medium-high heat add olive oil with diced onions. Stirring frequently, cook the onions for about 3 to 4 or until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, stir, cook for 1 minute more.

Next, add in the ground pork, cumin, chili powder, Kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, cook the ground pork, onions, and spices for 10 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. To the meat mixture, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of the drained RO*TEL and beef stock, stir to combine. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for another 15 minutes or until all the liquid evaporates. Drain fat, transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Take the cornbread (in the skillet) out of the oven. Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cornbread. Add 3/4 cup of enchilada sauce. Spread evenly over the top. Letting the sauce seep down into the cornbread. Generously top with shredded cheese.

Spray the dull side of the foil with cooking spray. This will ensure the cheese won’t stick. Tightly cover the skillet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Switch oven to broil, remove the foil, broil for 5 minutes until cheese is golden brown. Remove the skillet from the oven and let rest for about 15 minutes to set. Garnish with green onions. There you have it, my Homemade Tamale Pie.

https://lindalouhamel.com/2015/04/29/guacamole/