Name: Vegetarian Tamale Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup diced onion; 2 bell peppers of any color, diced; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 can beans of choice (or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans); 3/4 cup corn ((frozen roasted corn works beautifully)); 1 can diced tomatoes ((15 oz)); 1 can tomato sauce ((15 oz)); 1 can mild green chilis ((4 oz, optional)); 1 cup shredded cheese ((such as FYH vegan, optional)); 2 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp chili powder; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup fine cornmeal ((regular or whole grain)); 2 cups water (or milk of choice); 3/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter or oil ((optional))

If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that warms your soul, look no further than this delightful Vegetarian Tamale Pie. This dish is a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, combining the classic essence of tamales with the ease of a casserole. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich beans, and a savory cornmeal topping, it’s a meal that everyone will love, whether you follow a vegetarian diet or not. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. So let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to satisfy your cravings!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Flavorful Filling: A delicious mix of beans, corn, and spices that brings a burst of flavor in every bite.
Easy to Make: This dish comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze one for a busy day when you need a quick meal.
Vegan Option: Easily made vegan with the right cheese alternatives.

Ingredient Checklist

1 cup diced onion
2 bell peppers of any color, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 can beans of choice, or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans
3/4 cup corn (frozen roasted corn works beautifully)
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
Optional: 1 can mild green chilis (4 oz)
Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese (such as FYH vegan)
2 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp salt

Topping:

3/4 cup fine cornmeal (regular or whole grain)
2 cups water or milk of choice
3/4 tsp salt
Optional: 2 tbsp butter or oil

Tools & Equipment Needed

Large skillet: For sautéing the vegetables and mixing the filling.
Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for baking the tamale pie.
Mixing bowl: To combine the cornmeal topping ingredients.
Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Vegetarian Tamale Pie

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Mix in the Beans and Corn

Add your choice of beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet. If you’re using green chilis, add them now too. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Filling

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Step 4: Prepare the Cornmeal Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal with water or milk, and salt. If desired, add melted butter or oil for extra richness. Stir until smooth and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Assemble the Tamale Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the filling mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully spoon the cornmeal topping over the filling, smoothing it out with a spatula. If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cornmeal topping; it should come out clean.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove the tamale pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired.

Budget & Availability Swaps

Beans: Use canned beans for convenience or dried beans for a more budget-friendly option.
Corn: Fresh corn can be substituted if in season; otherwise, frozen or canned corn works well.
Bell Peppers: Any color works here, and you can even use zucchini or spinach as an alternative.
Cheese: If you’re not vegan, regular cheese can be used instead of the vegan option.

Pro Perspective

Creating a Vegetarian Tamale Pie is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to sneak in various vegetables. The great thing about this recipe is its adaptability. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have available in your pantry. If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. This dish is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover vegetables that may be lingering in your fridge, making it both economical and resourceful.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Vegetarian Tamale Pie is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and freeze portions for later. To freeze, allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Quick Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free cornmeal for the topping, and ensure your canned ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! If you desire a meaty version, feel free to add cooked ground beef or turkey to the filling mixture for added protein.

What can I serve with Vegetarian Tamale Pie?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also serve it alongside tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Vegetarian Tamale Pie recipe, don’t forget to save it for later and share it with friends and family. This dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and delicious aromas!