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Meatless Tamale Pie

Meatless Tamale Pie recipe image
This comforting Meatless Tamale Pie is a vibrant, plant-based dish featuring a rich, spiced bean filling topped with a fluffy cornmeal crust. The base is simmered with onions, garlic, green peppers, and kidney beans for a deep, savory flavor profile enhanced by chili powder and fresh parsley. The cornmeal topping bakes to a tender, golden-brown finish, mimicking traditional tamales without the labor-intensive wrapping process. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that balances robust textures and warm spices.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine: ,
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Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 385
Description
This comforting Meatless Tamale Pie is a vibrant, plant-based dish featuring a rich, spiced bean filling topped with a fluffy cornmeal crust. The base is simmered with onions, garlic, green peppers, and kidney beans for a deep, savory flavor profile enhanced by chili powder and fresh parsley. The cornmeal topping bakes to a tender, golden-brown finish, mimicking traditional tamales without the labor-intensive wrapping process. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that balances robust textures and warm spices.
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup finely chopped green peppers
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cups cooked, mashed kidney or pinto beans
  • 1/4 cup sliced green olives (with or without pimiento)
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 cup yellow stone ground cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 large lightly beaten egg
  • 1/2 cup skim or low fat milk
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green chilies
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch baking dish.
  2. 2
    In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3
    Stir in the tomato paste and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add the water, mashed beans, sliced olives, and fresh parsley. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
  4. 4
    Spread the warm bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. 5
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder.
  6. 6
    Add the beaten egg, milk, 2 tablespoons of oil, and chopped green chilies to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
  7. 7
    Pour the cornmeal batter over the bean mixture in the baking dish, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
  8. 8
    Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the batter.
  9. 9
    Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornmeal crust is golden brown and has risen slightly.
  10. 10
    Let the pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 385kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 65mg22%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 12g48%
Sugars 4g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Substitutions: You can use black beans or mixed beans instead of kidney or pinto beans. For a vegan version, omit the egg and use a flax egg or additional milk/oil in the batter.

Variations: Add diced tomatoes to the bean mixture for extra moisture and acidity. Top with avocado slices and sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative) when serving.

Keywords: meatless, tamale pie, vegetarian, bean casserole, cornmeal crust, kidney beans, spicy, comfort food, easy dinner, plant-based, family meal, budget-friendly, kidney bean recipe, cornmeal topping, savory pie
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/meatless-tamale-pie/