Description
This Slow Cooker Tamale Pie with Cornbread Topping is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Ground beef is simmered with tomatoes, beans, and spices in a slow cooker, then topped with a classic corn muffin mixture that bakes to golden perfection right on top. The melty cheddar cheese adds richness and depth. This comforting Southwestern-inspired dish requires minimal hands-on time and serves up warm, satisfying flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. ground cumin
- 20 oz. Rotel Tomatoes (two 10 oz. cans)
- 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Cornbread Topping
- 1 8.5-oz. pkg. Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 8.5 oz. can corn, drained (small can)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat to reduce grease in the filling.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, chili powder, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Slow Cook Filling: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften nicely.
- Add Cheese: After the 5-hour cooking time, open the slow cooker and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts evenly into the filling for richness.
- Prepare Cornbread Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the Jiffy corn muffin mix, egg, milk, and drained corn until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy, as this creates a nice texture.
- Add Topping and Cook: Spread the cornbread mixture evenly over the meat filling in the slow cooker. Cover again, switch the slow cooker to HIGH, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the topping is set and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the tamale pie hot directly from the slow cooker for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to prevent an overly oily filling.
- Add cheese near the end to keep it melty and flavorful throughout the dish.
- The cornbread topping can be lumpy; it will bake perfectly in the slow cooker.
- For a spicier version, increase chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This recipe can be doubled if you have a larger slow cooker or want leftovers.
Keywords: tamale pie, slow cooker recipes, cornbread topping, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight meals, Southwestern casserole