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Gluten Free Tamale Pie – One Skillet

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A gluten free tamale pie with classic chewy masa topping, all made in one skillet for a family pleasing meal!!

 

optimized for pinterest gluten free tamale pie from overhead in a cast iron skillet with a garnish of fresh sliced avocado on turquoise wood board

 

Long before our kids came into the picture, I found a recipe in a magazine for a tamale skillet pie.  It was instantly a husband favorite.

And what is not to love?  All the great flavors of a tamale…..in a fraction of the time.

Somehow, the original recipe disappeared…and I tried modifying recipe after recipe to recreate this favorite dish.  Problem was, the cornbread topping always left me feeling ho-hum about the end product.  I was looking for a texture more similar to the tamale masa…not bread.

 

vertical image of a spooned up serving on tender ground beef with a chewy tamale topping and a garnish of green onions and a wooden spoon

And then I had a EUREKA! moment.  Tamales are traditionally nothing like cornbread, what about going in for a chewy tamale topping instead?  And FINALLY!  A dish everyone loved and that we have eaten multiple times now!

This is a family friendly meal that goes together easily.  Enjoy!

Can You Make a Paleo Tamale Pie?

  • If you wanted to go the cornbread topping route, this Paleo cornbread is a great recipe!!
  • If you wanted to try a low-carb tamale mixture, this recipe looks super interesting and I will be trying it soon on MY portion of this family favorite!
  • Of course, the beans would need to be omitted…

Do you like Mexican food?  Here are a couple other dishes using the flavors of Mexico:

Gluten Free Tamale Pie Recipe:

4.6 from 5 votes
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Skillet Tamale Pie - Gluten Free

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 460 kcal
Author Tessa the Domestic Diva

Ingredients

Tamale Topping:

  • 1 cup medium grind cornmeal or millet
  • 2 1/3 cups broth part water OK
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar or Daiya Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon allowed butter or fat
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Ground Beef Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder ( I use a flavorful yet mild chili powder called FIESTA found in bulk foods sections. It is great for making your own taco seasoning with the below seasonings too!
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup favorite salsa I use Trader Joes brand as it is mild for the kids, but still flavorful.
  • 1 1/2 cup cooked beans I use my homemade beans, or about one can drained. I prefer pinto beans.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornmeal or millet meal with the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium low, and continue simmering and stirring until thick, about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cheese, butter, and sea salt, set aside.
  4. In an oven safe saute pan (I use my beloved cast iron skillet), brown the ground meat along with the spices.
  5. Stir in the salsa and beans. Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  6. Pour the cornmeal over the top, dispersing evenly.
  7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping has crisped up a bit!
Nutrition Facts
Skillet Tamale Pie - Gluten Free
Amount Per Serving
Calories 460 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 1450mg 60%
Potassium 584mg 17%
Total Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Dietary Fiber 7g 28%
Sugars 4g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin A 17.2%
Vitamin C 1.6%
Calcium 18.4%
Iron 19.5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

cast iron skillet filled with baked ground beef with a chewy tamale topping and a wooden spoon

 

 

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Comments

  1. I love love LOVE this recipe! It was so super easy and it was a hit with the whole family! Thanks for another great recipe Tessa. More skillet recipes please 🙂

    Reply

  3. I’ve never rated or left a comment about a recipe before; but, this pie turned out so delicious I decided now was the time! Keep up the great cooking!

    Reply

  5. Hi Tessa,
    I just love a Tamale Pie, this looks great! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and have a fabulous day!
    Hope to see you soon,
    Miz Helen

    Reply

  13. Looks delicious! Question: What comes after step 6? Does it then go directly into the oven…and for how long?

    Reply
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