Cheesy Ground Beef Tamale Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Tamale Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Tamale Bake combines cornbread batter, ground beef, chili powder in a hearty oven-baked dish with a warm, generous filling. It is a practical way to bring the main components of dinner together in one baking dish.
The key is to prepare the components before assembly, then bake just long enough to heat the center and finish the topping. The amounts below make approximately 6 servings. Oven times are a guide: the depth of the dish and whether the filling starts warm or chilled affect the final cooking time.
Recipe overview
- Servings: approximately 6
- Preparation: about 20–25 minutes, plus any separate cooking or thawing
- Oven temperature: 400°F
- Equipment: 9-by-13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl and skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- Cornbread batter — 1 batch prepared from an 8.5 oz mix, including its package-specified egg and milk
- Ground beef — 1 lb
- Chili powder — 1 teaspoon
- Cumin — 1 teaspoon
- Tomato sauce — 2 cups
- Black olives — 1/3 cup, sliced
- Cheddar cheese — 1 1/2 cups, shredded or thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste after adding sauces and cheese
Preparation notes
Brown the ground meat or sausage fully in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat before mixing it with the sauce and other filling ingredients.
Directions
Prepare the components as described above before assembling the dish.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Pour half of the cornbread batter into your baking dish.
- Sprinkle the seasoned, cooked ground beef over the batter.
- Top it off with the remaining batter, then add the black olives and a generous layer of cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. Egg-based fillings should be set rather than liquid. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for a better bake
- Spread the filling evenly in the dish and check the center as well as the edges. A golden topping can be ready before the filling underneath is hot.
What to serve with it
Pair the bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Serve from both the edge and the center so every portion includes some of the topping and the saucy filling.
Make-ahead and leftovers
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate promptly in covered containers. Assemble when ready to bake. A chilled dish needs additional oven time; cover loosely at first if the topping colors before the center heats. Warm individual portions covered to help retain moisture. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the cheese?
Choose another cheese with a similar melting texture, keeping the total amount about the same. Use hard grating cheese for flavor rather than replacing all of the softer melting cheese.
How can I prevent a dry filling?
Do not overcook the components before assembly. Keep the filling covered for part of baking if the surface is drying before the center heats. Stop baking once the filling is hot and the topping is ready, then allow a short rest before serving.
