Tamale Pie

Name: Tamale Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef; 1 yellow onion; 1 green bell pepper; 1 clove garlic clove; 1 can whole kernel corn; 1 can tomato paste; 1 ½ cups water; ½ cup black olives; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 cup cheddar cheese; ¾ cup yellow cornmeal; 2 cups cold water; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon butter; jalapeños; tomatoes; black beans

A soft cornmeal lid covers the savory beef filling, browning at the edges as the casserole bakes. Little bites of olive give this old-fashioned tamale pie its memorable salty note.

By Betty Lou Gardner1 hr 35 minUpdated 2026-08-25

This Tamale Pie brings together a hearty beef-and-tomato filling with green bell pepper, corn, black olives, and melted cheddar beneath a soft cornmeal topping. It is the kind of cozy, practical casserole that works especially well for family suppers, potlucks, and cool evenings.

Betty Lou Gardner in a family archival photograph

Granny’s Kitchen Notes

From Betty Lou Gardner

I always think the olives are what make tamale pie taste the way people remember it from old church suppers and family dinners. Sometimes I add jalapeños or black beans when I want the casserole a little heartier for a bigger crowd.

How to Make Tamale Pie

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Seasoned ground beef filling with onion, green bell pepper, corn, black olives, and tomato sauce simmering in a cast-iron skillet.

Cook the Beef Filling

Brown the beef with the onion and green bell pepper, add the garlic, then simmer with the corn, tomato paste, water, olives, chili powder, and salt until thick but still spoonable.