This Easy Tamale Casserole is my secret weapon for busy weeknight dinners — all that incredible Tex-Mex flavor in one dish, under 30 minutes, and the kids ask for seconds every single time. That fluffy cornbread topping over the spiced beef filling is a combination that just works on every level!
Why Families Love This
- Kids love the cornbread topping — it’s like a Tex-Mex mac and cheese situation
- One dish means easy cleanup
- 30 minutes from start to table
- Feeds the whole family with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch
- Customizable spice level for different kids
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes with chiles
- 1 can corn, 1 can black beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix + egg + milk + creamed corn
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef, season it up. Add tomatoes, corn, beans. Simmer a few minutes.
- Pour into your 9×13 pan. Sprinkle half the cheese.
- Mix and pour the cornbread batter over top. Add the rest of the cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Golden, bubbly, perfect.
- Let it rest 5 minutes — it slices much neater that way.
Mom Tip: Make this on a Sunday and portion into individual containers for the week. The kids’ lunches for the next 3 days are handled. It reheats beautifully!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 18g
Toppings Bar for the Family
- Sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce
- Jalapeños for the adults
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Hot sauce on the side
Storage
- Fridge: 4 days
- Freezer: individual portions up to 3 months
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — replace beef with an extra can of black beans plus one can of pinto beans. Add extra corn and a diced bell pepper. Just as hearty, zero meat, and kids usually can’t tell the difference!
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