Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Tamale Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal, you’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Tamale Pie recipe. It’s a perfect blend of hearty ingredients that come together effortlessly.
The rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes create a satisfying base, while the cornbread topping adds a delightful crunch. I appreciate how this dish cooks itself while I go about my day, filling my home with mouthwatering aromas.
It’s not just about taste; it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Tamale Pie
When it comes to whipping up a meal that’s both satisfying and easy, the ingredients for Slow Cooker Tamale Pie are essential. You want to gather all the goodies that will make this dish shine. Don’t worry, you won’t need to scour specialty stores or break the bank. Most of these ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry.
So let’s get started and see what you’ll need to create this comforting dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tamale Pie:
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans (or any beans you prefer—chili or black work well too)
- 1 dried chili, seeded and diced (ancho is a good choice)
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo
- Seasoning: salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8-ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
- Optional: chopped green onions and any additional toppings like cheese and sour cream
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. If you’re not a fan of ground sirloin, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or even a meat alternative.
And those beans? Feel free to mix and match. Maybe you want to use black beans for a richer flavor or go with pinto if that’s what you have on hand.
As for the spices, adjust them to your taste. If you like it spicy, throw in an extra chipotle or a pinch more chili powder. This dish is all about making it your own, so don’t be shy. You got this!
How to Make Slow Cooker Tamale Pie
Making Slow Cooker Tamale Pie is easier than you might think, and it all starts with that 1 lb of ground sirloin. First things first, grab a skillet and brown the beef over medium heat. You want to cook it until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t be afraid to season that meat well with salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and dried oregano while it cooks. Trust me, those spices are going to elevate your pie to another level. Once it’s cooked through, toss it into your slow cooker.
Now, let’s add the rest of the ingredients. Open up those 2 (15-ounce) cans of red kidney beans and drain them. Pour them right into the slow cooker, along with 1 dried chili that you’ve seeded and diced, and that smoky 1 chipotle chile in adobo. Oh, and don’t forget the 2 (15-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies. This is where the magic happens, folks—your slow cooker will start to look like a fiesta in there. Stir everything together, adding more of those spices if you think it needs a little extra kick.
Next up, it’s time for the star of the show: the corn muffin mix. Prepare it according to the package directions, and if you’re feeling adventurous, fold in some chopped green onions for a little extra flair. Pour this corny goodness evenly over the top of your slow cooker mixture.
Now, cover it and let it cook on high for at least 5 hours. During that time, you can kick back, relax, and maybe binge-watch your favorite show. When it’s finally time to eat, top your tamale pie with whatever your heart desires—cheese, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Enjoy the deliciousness that you just created; it’s okay to take a moment to pat yourself on the back. You deserve it!
Slow Cooker Tamale Pie Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve enjoyed the delightful process of crafting your Slow Cooker Tamale Pie, you might want to explore some substitutions and variations to make it your own.
For the meat, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even go meatless with lentils or mushrooms. If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans work just as well.
For the corn muffin mix, you can substitute with a homemade cornbread recipe or even cornbread from a different brand.
Spice it up by adding jalapeños or swapping the chipotle for a milder pepper if you prefer.
And don’t forget to top it with your favorite cheese or avocado for extra flavor!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Tamale Pie
What pairs best with a hearty Slow Cooker Tamale Pie? I love serving it with a fresh side salad to balance the richness. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette does the trick.
You can’t go wrong with tortilla chips and guacamole either; they add a nice crunch and creaminess. If you’re in the mood for something warm, a side of Mexican-style street corn is fantastic.
For drinks, I often opt for a invigorating agua fresca or a cold cerveza to complement the flavors. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or some shredded cheese on top of your pie for that extra indulgence. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Slow Cooker Tamale Pie, keep in mind a few extra tips to enhance the dish.
First, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chipotle chiles or even a dash of hot sauce. If you’re a fan of veggies, toss in some chopped bell peppers or corn for added flavor and texture.
I also recommend letting the pie sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps it set up nicely. When serving, don’t forget to top it with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
Finally, this dish makes great leftovers, so feel free to double the recipe for meal prep! Enjoy your cooking!