19 Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe Made With Masa Harina Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: May 7, 2024
Mexican tamale pie is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the traditional elements of tamales with a hearty, pie-like presentation. This dish is perfect for those who love the rich, savory flavors of Mexican cuisine but don't have the time or patience to make traditional tamales from scratch. By using masa harina, a type of corn flour used in Mexican cooking, this tamale pie recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but also gluten-free and packed with authentic flavors.
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Chicken Stock, Vegetable Shortening
This twist on traditional tamales combines the flavors of tender chicken, savory cornbread, and spicy salsa. It's a perfect dish to serve for a crowd or to enjoy as a comforting meal on a cool night. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared in advance for a stress-free dinner option.
2of 20
Pork Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Chicken Broth, Baking Powder, Salt, Canola
If you're a fan of pork tamales, you'll love this variation that transforms the classic dish into a hearty pie. Tender pulled pork is combined with a homemade masa crust and topped with a zesty tomatillo sauce. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds singing.
3of 20
Spicy Chicken Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This flavorful tamale pie is perfect for those who like a little kick in their meals. A blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, gives this dish a delicious heat. The addition of black beans and corn add texture and flavor, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
4of 20
Gluten Free Vegan Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Raw Cashews, Nonstick Cooking Spray, Lemon Juice
Whether you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of tamale pie with this recipe. It uses a homemade gluten-free crust and a filling made with hearty vegetables and beans. Top it off with a dairy-free cheese alternative and you've got a tasty and healthy meal.
5of 20
Instant Pot Easy Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Canned Corn, Masa Harina, Chicken Broth, Baking Powder
Short on time? This Instant Pot recipe takes the hassle out of making tamale pie by using everyone's favorite kitchen appliance. The result is a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish in a fraction of the time it would take to make it in the oven. It's a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
6of 20
Tamale Pie with Chicken, Green Chiles, and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Hot Water, Unsalted Butter, Vegetable
This tamale pie is a true fiesta for your taste buds. Tender chicken, spicy green chiles, and gooey cheese come together in this mouthwatering dish. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you going back for seconds.
7of 20
Sweet Corn and Green Chile Tamale Pie (Cazuela de...
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Chicken Stock, Lard, Kosher Salt, Baking
This rich and creamy tamale pie is filled with the flavors of sweet corn and tangy green chiles. It's a perfect dish for those who prefer a milder spice level. Top it off with a sprinkle of cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing finish.
8of 20
Tamale Pie (Tamale Casserole)
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Baking Powder, Chicken Broth, Lard
If you're looking for a classic tamale pie recipe, this one fits the bill. It's a simple and delicious casserole that combines all the traditional flavors of tamales in one dish. The addition of a homemade salsa verde takes it to the next level.
9of 20
Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Lean Ground Beef
This tamale pie recipe is a great option for those who want to try their hand at making tamales but don't have the time or patience for the traditional process. It's a much simpler method that still delivers on flavor and texture. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.
10of 20
Instant Pot Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Water, Oil, Salt, Baking Soda, Pork
Another great Instant Pot option, this tamale pie recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. It's a great way to satisfy your tamale cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the Instant Pot ensures that the flavors are perfectly melded together for a delicious and comforting meal.
11of 20
Tamale Corn Cakes
Main Ingredients: Verde Sauce, Fresh Cilantro, Jalapenos, Green Onions
If you're a fan of cornbread, you'll love these tamale corn cakes. They are a fun twist on traditional tamales and can be served as an appetizer or side dish. The combination of sweet corn and tangy salsa makes these cakes a hit at any gathering.
Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, and this Mexican version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Filled with a savory chicken and vegetable mixture, these empanadas are a delicious and portable option for a meal on the go.
13of 20
Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
For those who want to try their hand at making traditional tamales, this recipe is a great place to start. It uses authentic ingredients and techniques to create an authentic and delicious dish. It's a labor of love, but the end result is worth it.
14of 20
Chicken Tamale Bites
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Enchilada Sauce, Pickled Jalapenos
If you're looking for a fun and bite-sized version of tamale pie, these chicken tamale bites are just the thing. They are perfect for parties and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces for a more interactive dining experience.
15of 20
Chile Verde Chicken Tamale Casserole
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
This hearty and flavorful casserole is a perfect one-dish meal that the whole family will love. The chicken is slow-cooked in a homemade chile verde sauce, and then combined with masa dough and baked to perfection. It's a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for chilly nights.
16of 20
Mini Tamale Pies
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Onion, Thyme, Oregano, Bay Leaves
These mini tamale pies are a fun and unique way to serve up everyone's favorite dish. They are made with a homemade masa crust and can be filled with your choice of meat and vegetables. Plus, they are perfect for portion control and make a great appetizer or lunch option.
17of 20
Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
For a more traditional take on tamales, this recipe uses a classic pork filling that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The tamales are steamed to perfection and served with a zesty homemade salsa. It's a great dish to serve for a special occasion or to enjoy as a comforting meal.
Another great option for those who prefer traditional tamales, this recipe uses a homemade red chili sauce for a spicy and flavorful filling. The tamales are then steamed in corn husks and served with a fresh and tangy salsa. It's a delicious and authentic meal that will transport you to Mexico with every bite.
19of 20
Cinco de Mayo Turkey Tamale Bowls
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Turkey, Yellow Onion, Garlic
If you're looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, these turkey tamale bowls are just the ticket. They are made with a homemade masa crust and filled with a flavorful turkey and bean mixture. Top it off with your favorite toppings, like avocado, cilantro, and cheese, for a delicious and colorful meal.
20of 20
Roasted Chile, Cheese, and Bacon Mini-Tamale Pies
Main Ingredients: Peppered Bacon, Small Onion, Roma Tomato, Anaheim
Last but not least, these mini-tamale pies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The combination of roasted chiles, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon make for a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. Plus, their mini size makes them great for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Why Use Masa Harina?
Masa harina is an essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine, especially when it comes to making tamales. It is made from dried corn that has been cooked in an alkaline solution, a process known as nixtamalization. This process not only helps to preserve the corn, but it also increases the nutritional value and makes it easier to digest. Masa harina is also gluten-free, making it a popular choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Its fine texture and neutral flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as tortillas, tamales, and of course, tamale pie.
The Secret to Perfect Tamale Pie
The key to a delicious and authentic tamale pie is to use masa harina in the crust. This not only adds a distinctive corn flavor to the dish but also gives it a unique texture. To make the crust, simply mix masa harina with water, oil, and a pinch of salt until it forms a dough. The dough should be pliable and easy to work with, allowing you to press it into the pie dish and create a sturdy crust. Using masa harina in the crust also ensures that the dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Authentic Mexican Flavors
In addition to using masa harina in the crust, this tamale pie recipe also incorporates traditional Mexican flavors in the filling. The base of the filling is made with ground beef, onions, and bell peppers, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. These spices not only add a kick of flavor but also give the dish its distinct Mexican taste. For a vegetarian option, the ground beef can be substituted with beans or a plant-based protein alternative. The filling is then topped with a layer of corn and cheese, adding another layer of texture and flavor to the pie.
Customize to Your Liking
One of the best things about tamale pie is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, such as corn, beans, or even diced tomatoes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack, to give the dish a unique twist. The crust can also be spiced up by adding some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for those who prefer a bit of heat.
In Conclusion
Using masa harina in this tamale pie recipe not only makes it gluten-free and easy to make, but it also adds an authentic touch of Mexican flavors. Whether you're new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with this delicious and unique take on the classic tamale.
