Jiffy Tamale Pie

If you love new twists on your favorite classic meals, then this recipe is for you. Jiffy tamale pie is a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican flavors and American comfort food. This tasty recipe takes the essence of traditional tamales and transforms it into a quick and easy casserole-style dish that the whole family will love 🙂

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this tamale pie combines a golden cornbread crust with a zesty, savory filling for a truly satisfying and comforting culinary experience.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

With its quick preparation, delectable flavors, and versatility, this Jiffy tamale pie recipe will become a reliable go-to option when you're seeking a delicious and hassle-free dinner solution.

By using Jiffy corn muffin mix, the crust-making process is simplified, reducing preparation time without having to compromise on flavor.

Additionally, the filling in this Jiffy tamale pie features a harmonious blend of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and vibrant spices. The savory combination creates a robust and delightful taste profile that's sure to please your taste buds.

Also, we can't forget to talk about how easy this tamale pie recipe is to experiment with different protein options or create a vegetarian version using beans or plant-based alternatives. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix:

Using Jiffy corn muffin mix to create the crust gives it a little more sweetness. However, if you are unable to find any Jiffy corn muffin mix, you can also use your favorite brand of cornmeal instead.

Cheese:

This is another area you can get creative because you can never have too much cheese. Experiment with using different cheeses, including Monterey or pepper jack cheeses, cream cheese, and even queso fresco.

Vegetables:

This Jiffy tamale pie recipe is so easily customizable that you can use a variety of different vegetables, including bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions.

Additionally, you can choose to use fresh veggies or frozen to save yourself some time. However, you may need to adjust the cooking times a bit, as frozen veggies cook a little faster than fresh.

Ground Beef:

Always remember to season your meat generously with salt before adding it to your pan. The salt helps to tenderize the ground beef to give you tender and flavorful results. This goes for any kind of meat that you choose to use in this recipe. Ground chicken, turkey, and pork also work with this recipe. However, if you are looking for a meatless alternative to use, tempeh, tofu, and pinto beans are all excellent substitutions.

Seasonings:

The seasonings used in this delicious Jiffy tamale pie are popular flavors that are found in most kitchens. However, if you are craving a more authentic flavor, add spices like cumin, chili powder, and Mexican oregano to your filling.

How to Make Jiffy Tamale Pie

Step One:

Preheat your oven to 350F and add olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step Two: 

Add corn and carrots. Sautee for 2-3 minutes or until softened, and add zucchini. Sautee for an additional minute.

Step Three:

Add ground beef, paprika, onion powder, salt, and garlic powder. Stir to incorporate and cook until the meat has browned, then stir in tomato sauce.

Step Four:

Fold in 1 cup of sour cream and cheddar cheese until incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step Five: 

Combine corn muffin mix, cream corn, ½ cup sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, and an egg in a bowl. Stir to incorporate. Your batter should be smooth and lump-free.

Step Six: 

Coat a baking pan with cooking spray, add the ground beef mixture, then top with your batter. Bake for 50 minutes at 350F. Remove when the crust is golden brown.

Step Seven:

Serve while hot, and enjoy!

Tips

• The corn muffin mix crust is a key component of Jiffy tamale pie. Make sure to prepare it to the right consistency, not too thick or too thin. It should resemble the texture of traditional tamale dough.
• Remember, cooking is a creative process, and this is a great recipe to experiment so feel free to make this  Jiffy tamale pie uniquely your own!

What to Serve With Jiffy Tamale Pie

This Jiffy tamale pie is a hearty and fulfilling dish on its own, but it can also be served with a number of different side dishes to create a delicious feast.

Serve your tamale pie with some crunchy corn salsa, a fresh avocado salad, or some savory tortilla soup as lighter options. Alternatively, you can create a full Mexican first by serving your Jiffy tamale pie with your favorite tacos, taquitos, and nachos. For those with a sweet tooth, finish off your feast with some sugary churros.

FAQs

Can I use a pre-made pie crust instead of a cornmeal crust?

Using a pre-made pie crust will save you time and effort, making the Tamale Pie preparation process quicker. However, the resulting dish may have a different texture and taste than the traditional cornmeal crust.

What toppings or garnishes go well with Jiffy tamale pie?

A variety of toppings and garnishes can be added to your Jiffy tamale pie for extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Try experimenting with garnishes like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, tomatoes, and even jalapeno peppers.

How long can leftover Jiffy tamale pie be stored?

Leftover tamale pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or for up to 2-3 months in the freezer in an airtight container.

To reheat your Jiffy tamale pie leftovers, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover the pie with foil to prevent the crust from over-browning. Reheat it at a low to moderate temperature until it's heated through. If using the microwave, reheat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for a short duration until they are heated through.

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