Mom’s Tamale Pie

Get ready to savor the heartwarming flavors of a cherished family classic with Mom’s Tamale Pie! Though Waldine Guillott from DeQuincy, Louisiana, doesn’t recall her mother using a specific recipe for this dish, she has crafted a version that captures the essence of her mom’s tamale pie. This delightful rendition brings a touch of Southern charm by incorporating creamy grits into the mix.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15¼ ounces) whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 5 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 envelope chili seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 cups cooked grits (prepared with butter and salt)
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder, divided
• 1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and green pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the whole kernel corn, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chili seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, basil, and oregano to the skillet. Stir the mixture and cook until heated through. Keep the beef mixture warm while preparing the other components.
2. Spread half of the cooked grits in a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chili powder over the grits. Layer the cooked beef mixture over the grits, and then top it with shredded cheddar cheese. To add an attractive touch, pipe the remaining grits around the edge of the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of chili powder over the piped grits.
3. Bake the assembled tamale pie, uncovered, at 325°F (165°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. After baking, allow the pie to stand for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the flavors meld together.

YIELD: 12 Servings

PREP/BAKE TIME: 45 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To save time, you can use pre-cooked grits for this recipe. Simply prepare the grits with butter and salt according to package instructions.

TIPS:

• For added depth of flavor, consider garnishing the tamale pie with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning and chili powder according to your taste preferences.

In conclusion, Mom’s Tamale Pie is a cherished family classic that brings together the heartwarming flavors of home-cooked comfort. Inspired by the memory of Waldine Guillott’s mother, this delightful rendition captures the essence of her mom’s tamale pie with the addition of creamy grits, infusing the dish with a Southern accent.

The flavorful mixture of ground beef, onions, green peppers, corn, tomatoes, and a medley of seasonings creates a savory and satisfying filling that melds beautifully with the creamy and comforting grits. Topped with a generous layer of melted shredded cheddar cheese, this tamale pie is a delicious symphony of textures and flavors.

The preparation process is straightforward, making it a practical option for a wholesome family meal or a gathering with loved ones. The piped grits around the edge of the pie add an attractive touch, elevating the presentation of this homestyle dish.

For those seeking a milder or spicier taste, the recipe offers flexibility to adjust the seasoning according to individual preferences. Additionally, garnishing the tamale pie with fresh cilantro or green onions imparts a burst of freshness that complements the rich and comforting flavors.

Whether enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight dinner or served at a special occasion, Mom’s Tamale Pie is sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones. The warmth of nostalgia and the delicious combination of flavors make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

So, gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your taste buds with the heartwarming goodness of Mom’s Tamale Pie—a dish that honors tradition and showcases the love and care of homemade comfort food.