Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Chicken and Beef Tamale Pie
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- #737

1-2 hrs
ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons chili powder, to taste
1 can (32 ounce size) tomatoes with their juice
2 jalapeno peppers, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 can (32 ounce size) pinto beans, drained
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup yellow cornmeal
10 ounces frozen corn kernels
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup grated Monterey jack or cheddar cheese
directions
Brown beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove meat with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Remove all but 2 Tb. pan drippings. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Return meat to pan and sprinkle with 2 to 3 Tb. of the chili powder. Add canned tomatoes and jalapenos. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 1 to 2 hours. Season with additional chili powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in beans and cilantro.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large saucepan bring 3 cups of the broth to a boil. In a small bowl combine cornmeal and remaining 1 cup of broth and blend until smooth. Stir into boiling chicken stock. Cook, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, over low heat, until mixture thickens, about 30 minutes.
Line the bottom and sides of a 9" X 13" pan with cornmeal mixture. Bake for 15 minutes (or more), until firm. Remove from oven and place a layer of corn in the pan, followed by chicken, then another layer of corn, then the beef. Cover with cheese. Bake 25 minutes.
added by
marymc
recipe tips
Brown the beef and break it up into even pieces.
Drain the beef well to prevent the pie from being greasy.
Season the beef mixture well for a more flavorful filling.
Let the cornmeal mixture cool slightly before spreading it in the pan for easier handling.
Layer the ingredients evenly for a balanced distribution of flavors.
Bake the pie until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can use black beans or kidney beans as a substitute for pinto beans.
What can I substitute for jalapeno peppers?
You can use green chiles for a milder flavor or increase the amount of chili powder for more heat.
Is it necessary to cook the beef mixture for 1 to 2 hours?
The long cooking time helps develop the flavors, but you can reduce it if short on time. Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering.
How do I know when the cornmeal mixture is ready?
The mixture is ready when it's thick enough to spread and holds its shape.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any melting cheese like Colby, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this tamale pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked tamale pie. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Can I add other toppings to the pie?
Yes, you can add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or chopped green onions after baking.
nutrition data
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
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