This easy tamale casserole recipe will have your family running to the dinner table! With seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a soft cornbread crust, it’s comfort food at its finest.
It’s so much easier to prepare than actual tamales, but will be just as well loved!
The flavor of traditional tamales in casserole form!
My daughter is a huge fan of tamales, and she is always asking me to make them. But I helped a friend make homemade tamales years ago, and it was so much work!
Dealing with the corn husks was a pain in the backside, and honestly, I don’t love them enough to spend the hours it takes to make them.
But this casserole version? Not only is it easy enough for a busy weeknight, I actually like it better than authentic tamales. Thankfully, my daughter loved it just as much!
How to Make Ground Beef Tamale Casserole
- PREP – Dice the onion and jalapeno. Grate the cheese. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 375°.
- MEAT MIXTURE – In a large nonstick skillet, cook and stir the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned. Stir in the jalapeno, salt, & pepper. Turn down to medium heat, then add the spices and garlic; cook for a minute. Add the beans, tomato, and corn. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until most of the liquid evaporates.
Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the cup of cheese over the top.
- CORNBREAD BATTER – Stir together the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Spread over the cheese.
- BAKE – Cover the dish with foil. Bake at 375° for about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.
- SERVE – You can serve the casserole as is, but like most Mexican food, toppings will take it to the next level!
FAVORITE TOPPINGS:
- fresh pico de gallo or salsa
- a spoonful of guacamole or diced avocados
- sour cream
- diced green bell pepper (or other bell peppers)
- green onions or cilantro
- extra grated cheese
If you have leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
PRO TIP:
- Covering the dish with foil makes the crust more closely resemble the texture of tamales. For a crispier crust, you can bake it uncovered until the crust turns golden brown.
VARIATIONS:
- A can of diced green chiles can be used in place of the diced jalapeno.
- You can use kidney beans, or any other type if bean if you prefer.
- For a lower fat dish, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of the beef.
- Instead of pepper jack, you can use Monterey jack, colby jack, or cheddar cheese.
- In place of a mix, you can make homemade cornbread. A half batch of my sweet cornbread would be amazing!
More Mexican Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Flautas
- Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing
- Homemade Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef
- Mexican Shepherd’s Pie
- Crescent Roll Taco Bake
- Mexican Haystacks
- Chicken Fajita Rice
Easy Tamale Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper finely diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 ounce can black beans drained
- 1 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Cornbread topping:
- 1 8.5 oz box cornbread mix I use Jiffy
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions
- Spray a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 375°.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the diced jalapeno, salt, and pepper.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and minced garlic. Saute for about a minute or until fragrant.
- Add the black beans, tomatoes, and corn. Cook and stir until most of the liquid has boiled off, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Whisk together just until combined. Spread over the top of the cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.
- If desired, garnish with your favorite taco toppings. We like pico or salsa and a little sour cream. So, so good!
Notes
Nutrition
If you want the flavor of tamales without all the work, you have got to try this easy recipe!
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