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vegetarian tamale pie recipe

Vegetarian Tamale Pie Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels drained
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 medium  yellow onion diced
  • 1 red  bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons  olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons  cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons  chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon  smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon  oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon  onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup  vegetable broth
  • 1 cup  shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
For the cornbread topping:
  • 1 cup  fine cornmeal
  • 1/2  cup  all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon  sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons  baking powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons  melted butter
  • 1/2 cup  shredded cheddar
  • 2 tablespoons  sliced spring onions (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and bell pepper 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and jalapeño, cook 2 minutes. Add spices and stir 30 seconds. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Remove pan from heat. Scatter 1 cup shredded cheese evenly over the filling. Spread filling into an even layer before topping.
  3. Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl whisk egg, milk, and melted butter. Combine wet into dry and stir just until mixed — do not overmix. Fold in shredded cheddar and spring onions.
  4. Spoon batter over the cheese layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at 400°F for 22–25 minutes until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with sour cream, spring onions, cilantro, and hot sauce.

Notes

  • Season the filling well before adding the topping — it won’t absorb much more flavor once covered
  • Don’t overmix the cornbread batter — stir just until combined for a tender topping
  • Use buttermilk for a more tender, slightly tangy crust
  • Add chipotle peppers in adobo to the filling for deeper, smokier heat
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months in individual portions
  • Make-ahead tip: prepare filling up to 2 days ahead — mix cornbread batter fresh on baking day
  • Reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes