Melba's Tamale Pie Recipe

Name: Melba's Tamale Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup milk or 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups boiling water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 (4 ounce) cansliced olives, drained (optional); 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package chili seasoning mix (Lawry's brand, if available) or 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning (Lawry's brand, if available); 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated

Servings: persons

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup milk or 1 cup buttermilk
2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (4 ounce) cansliced olives, drained (optional)
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package chili seasoning mix (Lawry's brand, if available) or 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning (Lawry's brand, if available)
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated

1
Mix 1 heaping cup yellow corn meal and 1 cup milk in bowl, mix in to 2 cups boiling water and stir mixture until smooth.
2
Stir in a tsp of the Lawry's chile seasoning from package.
3
Brown 1 pound ground meat, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 medium chopped onion, salt and pepper to taste.
4
Drain grease well.
5
Add to ground beef mixture: can whole kernel corn, crushed tomatoes, tomato.
6
paste, can olives, remainder of Lawry's chile seasoning package.
7
LAYER IN LARGE CAST IRON SKILLET OR 9 X 13 BAKING DISH (GREASE SKILLET OR PAN WITH CRISCO).
8
1.
9
Place 1/2 corn meal mixture in bottom.
10
2.
11
Remove from oven and Sprinkle with 1/2 of grated cheese.
12
3.
13
Spread meat mixture in middle.
14
4.
15
Layer remaining corn meal mixture on top.
16
Bake at 375 about 30 minutes, then add grated cheese and bake another 10 minutes, or until bubbly and brown.

2075

kcal

Calories

208

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup milk or 1 cup buttermilk, 2 cups boiling water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and more.

Yes, Melba's Tamale Pie falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Melba's Tamale Pie

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions