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You are here: Home / Main Dish / Tamale Pie with Masa

Tamale Pie with Masa

October 6, 2014 By Tessa 19 Comments

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

birdeye view of a cast iron skillet filled with savory ground beef, pinto beans and topped with a tamale masa and cheese

 

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.

 

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…

a cast iron skillet filled with ground beef, pinto beans, and topped with a corn masa topping with cheese and avocado

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

  • These Gluten Free Oven Baked Chimichangas (family favorite) are easy to make with the any taco leftovers!  So crispy and crunchy!
  • In only 30 minutes, these bomber Paleo Fish Tacos will be on the table!
  • I love having quick and easy meals in my back pocket, you will love these Quick Mexican Eggs.
  • My Instant Pot Tortilla Soup is easy and fast and has lots of authentic flavor!  Pressure cooker or stove top as you choose!

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

Gluten Free Tamale Pie w/ Masa Recipe:

If you try this tamale pie, come back and leave a comment!  

birdeye view of a cast iron skillet filled with savory ground beef, pinto beans and topped with a tamale masa and cheese
4.6 from 5 votes
Print

Skillet Tamale Pie - Gluten Free

A family favorite taco seasoned ground beef filling covered with a cheesy tamale style masa topping!

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 sharp cheddar grated, or favorite melting vegan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon allowed butter or fat
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Ground Beef Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or any ground meat.
  • 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*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 78mg26%
Sodium 1450mg63%
Potassium 584mg17%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 860IU17%
Vitamin C 1.3mg2%
Calcium 184mg18%
Iron 3.5mg19%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

ready for pinterest cast iron pan filled with ground beef in a chili sauce topped with masa and cheese baked golden garnished with avocado and green onion

 

 

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Comments

  1. Leann says

    April 9, 2015 at 8:37 PM

    4 stars
    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
  2. Holly says

    April 9, 2015 at 5:04 AM

    4 stars
    i made this last night – sooo easy and we all loved it! Thanks Tessa.

    Reply
    • Tessa Simpson says

      April 9, 2015 at 5:10 AM

      It is very family friendly Holly, thanks for letting me know!

      Reply
  3. Jill says

    March 3, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    5 stars
    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
    • Tessa Domestic Diva says

      March 5, 2015 at 8:00 AM

      Awesome Jill! Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  4. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    October 16, 2014 at 10:37 AM

    We’re big Mexican fans here so I know we’re going to like this! Thanks for sharing it with us at Foodie Fridays!

    Reply
  5. Miz Helen says

    October 14, 2014 at 7:37 PM

    5 stars
    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
  6. Abi Craig says

    October 13, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    Yum! I can use this in my menu plan this week! I like how you cook it right in the cast iron skillet. (Savoring Saturdays)

    Reply
  7. swathi says

    October 12, 2014 at 8:46 PM

    Delicious pie, thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop. pinning.

    Reply
  8. Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says

    October 11, 2014 at 10:24 AM

    I wonder if this would work with masa instead of cornmeal. I’m going to pin this, try it, and get back to you. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Tessa@tessadomesticdiva says

      October 11, 2014 at 11:52 AM

      Hi Heather! masa harina should work, it will be smoother and provide less texture in the topping though!

      Reply
  9. Kristie says

    October 10, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    It looks truly delicious!! I found you at Gluten Free Fridays!

    Reply
  10. Marla says

    October 10, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Twitted & pinned.

    Reply
  11. Julia @ Swirls and Spice says

    October 8, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Wow! I love Mexican food! This pie looks terrific!

    Reply
  12. Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts says

    October 8, 2014 at 7:57 AM

    Yummy, Tessa!!! Thanks for sharing on Gluten-Free Wednesdays with us all. Sharing …

    Shirley

    Reply
  13. Julie says

    October 7, 2014 at 7:48 AM

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

    Reply
    • Tessa Domestic Diva says

      October 7, 2014 at 8:50 AM

      Thanks for catching that Julie…mommy brain lives in me!! All fixed!

      Reply
  14. Phyllis Shustak says

    October 7, 2014 at 6:28 AM

    This looks so good!!!! Perfect for a crisp Fall day. Going to make this tonight with substituting the ground beef for ground turkey.

    Reply
    • Tessa Domestic Diva says

      October 7, 2014 at 8:50 AM

      Great Phyllis, let me know!

      Reply

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My name is Tessa, I am a momma and teacher who learned to cook allergy friendly foods when her third kiddo needed it.   Real food is my obsession. Gluten free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and keto recipes for families. Read More About Me An My Family’s Real Food Allergy Journey Here.

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