Learn how to make a tamale casserole, and add it to your weeknight dinner rotation.

What Is a Tamale Casserole?

That’s then topped with a homemade cornbread.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole on a plate ready to serve

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(This dish is a very close first cousin of thetamale pie.)

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Can You Make Tamale Casserole in Advance?

Southern Living Tamale Casserole ingredients

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The cornbread relies on some of the heat of the meat filling below it to cook throughout.

)envelope taco seasoning(about 1/4 cup)

2Tbsp.tomato paste

1cuptomato sauce(from 1 [15-oz.]

can)

1(15-oz.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole in the dish ready to serve with toppings

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)can black beans, rinsed and drained

1tsp.kosher salt, divided

1(8-oz.)pkg.

)can cream-style corn

1(4 1/2-oz.)

canchopped green chiles, undrained

2Tbsp.coarsely choppedfresh cilantro

1/2cupsour cream

1medium(8 oz.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole browning the onions

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)avocado, pitted and thinly sliced

Directions

Cook onions:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Heat oil in a large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium.

Add onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole browning the beef

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Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up ground beef, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Finish filling:

Stir in tomato sauce, beans, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole adding the seasoning

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Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Bake casserole:

Bake in preheated oven until topping is golden and firm, about 40 minutes.

Let rest 15 to 20 minutes.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole adding the tomato paste

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Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle evenly with cilantro, and serve with sour cream and sliced avocado.

Southern Living Tamale Casserole adding the beans and tomatoes

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Southern Living Tamale Casserole adding the cheese

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Southern Living Tamale Casserole whisking together the cornmeal mixture

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Southern Living Tamale Casserole adding the buttermilk

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Southern Living Tamale Casserole adding the cheese and chiles to the topping

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Southern Living Tamale Casserole pouring the topping on top of the filling

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Southern Living Tamale Casserole after baking

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless