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Homemade Vegetarian Tamale Pie recipe photo

Vegetarian Tamale Pie

This Vegetarian Tamale Pie is a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling 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
Topping Ingredients:
  • 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)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Preparation Steps:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Notes

  • Feel free to add jalapeños for a spicy kick!
  • This dish is excellent for meal prep; make a double batch!
  • Customize with your favorite vegetables based on what’s in season.