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Gluten free tamale pie is cornbread topped with a savory meat filling. All the goodness of a classic tamale but without all the effort! No cornbread mix needed.

Updated photos and recipe 2.28.2024

GLUTEN FREE TAMALE PIE

If you like traditional tamales, then you’ll love this easy casserole! Gluten free tamale pie features a savory meat filling with a cornbread topping.

You’ll love that this recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and that the cornbread batter works well with any gluten-free flour.

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Looking for more gluten-free Mexican recipes? Try my Mexican Pasta Salad or Gluten Free Tres Leches Cake!

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE TAMALE PIE

Gluten free tamale pie uses simple, everyday ingredients to make a delicious casserole that features the flavor of tamales but is much easier to make!

Ingredient amounts and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

FOR THE MEAT FILLING:

ground beef

You can sub for ground chicken or ground turkey if you want. Heat 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet before adding the meat.

chopped onion

I love white onions in Mexican recipes, but feel free to use a yellow or even red onion if that’s what you have on hand.

minced garlic

You can use fresh garlic and mince yourself, or use garlic that is already minced to save time.

jalapenos

chop nice and fine for even distribution throughout the casserole. I remove the seeds but you can leave some in if you like more spice! You can also use less or more depending on what level of heat you want.

cumin

always check your spices to be sure they’re gluten-free. McCormick brand is really good with their labeling process. I also love Dion’s brand because their entire line of spices is certified gluten-free, but it’s hard to find in stores

chili powder

again, use less or more according to your spice preference.

tomato sauce

You can use regular or no-salt-added. If you use unsalted, you’ll probably want to add a little extra salt.

FOR THE CORNBREAD TOPPING

large egg

feel free to use an egg substitute like Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer.

milk

You can use any type of milk. I typically make mine with whole milk.

sour cream

I recommend full-fat sour cream. You can use a dairy free substitute here if needed.

granulated sugar

If you don’t love using white sugar, you can use honey or coconut sugar instead.

gluten-free flour

I love this homemade cornbread crust recipe because it’s so forgiving! I’ve made it with many gluten-free flours and it always turns out great. I would say that Cup4Cup or gfJules make the best cornbread, but I’ve also used my gluten-free flour blend recipe, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 and King Arthur multipurpose.

corn meal

Some corn meal is not gluten-free, so be sure to check your labels. I love to use a medium grind like the one shown above, which gives the cornbread a rustic texture. Feel free to use a finer grind if you prefer, or if that’s what you have on hand.

baking powder

Make sure it’s gluten-free!

salt

Add more or less to taste

Butter

Use a stick of butter, not spreadable like you would get in a tub. Feel free to substitute with a dairy free option you like.

frozen corn

Frozen corn is a game-changer in cornbread!

TOPPINGS FOR SERVING

While this delicious tamale pie is delightful on its own, you can make it next-level with some fun toppings! Try any or all of these suggestions:

• sour cream
• guacamole or diced avocados
• black beans
• cilantro
• chopped white onions
• salsa or salsa verde
• grated cheese

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE TAMALE PIE

You’re going to love how easy it is to make a gluten free tamale pie casserole! Here are the instructions with step-by-step photos.

Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: brown ground beef and veggies

In a large skillet (I love using a cast-iron skillet for anything with cornbread, makes the edges delightfully crisp!), cook ground beef over medium heat.

When it is about half done, add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno and continue to cook until hamburger is done and veggies are crisp-tender.

Step 2: Add tomato sauce and seasonings

Add cumin and chili powder to the meat and veggies and cook for about 30 seconds.

Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

PRO TIP: At this point, taste the meat filling and add salt, pepper, and/or more chili powder to taste.

Step 3: Make cornbread topping

In a large bowl, whisk an egg until it’s nice and frothy.

Add milk, sour cream, and sugar and whisk until smooth.

Stir in gluten-free flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt just until combined. Add melted butter and frozen corn and stir just until combined.

Step 4: Layer meat and cornbread

Spread meat evenly in a large cast iron skillet, or transfer to a large casserole dish.

Spread cornbread batter evenly over the top, all the way to the sides of the skillet or casserole dish.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven until the a toothpick inserted in the cornbread comes out clean.

HOW TO SERVE TAMALE PIE

Tamale pie is best served warm with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, guacamole or avocados, and green chiles.

TAMALE PIE VARIATIONS

Gluten free tamale pie is great as-is, but you can also try these fun tamale casserole variations!

Vegetarian Tamale Pie

Swap 2 cups of cooked, drained lentils for the ground beef.

Cheesy Tamale Pie

Preheat a large cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. Add cornbread mixture directly to the skillet and smooth into an even layer. Spread prepared meat mixture on top, leaving around an inch all the way around for a crust. Bake as directed, then sprinkle with cheese and broil for 2 minutes.

Chile Verde Tamale Pie

Substitute ground beef for 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken and use 16 ounces of gluten-free salsa verde or green enchilada sauce in place of the tomato sauce.

Chorizo and Sweet Potato Tamale Pie

Use 1/2 pound chorizo in place of the ground beef. Add 1 cup cooked, finely chopped sweet potatoes along with the tomato sauce.

I love how versatile this recipe and honestly, give me any Mexican-inspired recipe any day of the week. I also highly recommend you try this Mexican ground beef casserole that can be served so many different ways!

HOW TO STORE TAMALE PIE

Store leftover tamale pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

MORE GLUTEN-FREE DINNER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup

Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken

Thai Peanut Wraps

Kale and Quinoa Chili

Panera Copycat 10 Vegetable Soup

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If you’re looking for more gluten-free dinner ideas, you’ll also love this Venison Backstrap

GLUTEN FREE TAMALE PIE RECIPE

 

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