What Makes Old School Tamale Pie So Good?
Let me count the ways that this masa-based Tamale Pie is going to make you happy.
Where Did Tamale Pie Originate?
I know you’re going to think I made this up because of where I live, but Tamale Pie originated in Texas. TexMex food is incredibly popular because of how easy it is to make. While the exact reason it was made and the location is unknown, rest assured it is one of my favorite TexMex recipes because of how simple it is to make compared to traditional tamales and how delicious it tastes.
What Is Tamale Pie Made Of?
For The Topping
Masa HarinaWateroilKosher Saltbaking soda
For The Filling
shredded pork, (see notes for variations)enchilada sauce or use canned enchilada sauce
Can I Make This Tamale Pie With Chicken Or Beef?
Absolutely! I used pork because it is what I had in my fridge when I started experimenting, but feel free to use whatever meat you’re craving. Chicken Tamale Pie or Beef Tamale Pie are both great variations to this recipe.
How To Make Instant Pot Tamale Pie
Can I Bake This Tamale Pie Casserole?
So I made these two ways: Instant Pot and baking it in the oven. The baked version was very tasty–but it did not taste like tamales. It tasted like roasted masa which was absolutely delicious. Tamales steam the masa so it’s really not the same thing at all. If you would like to bake it, I did it at 350F for 30 minutes for a delicious tamale pie casserole.
Is Masa The Same As Cornmeal?
Masa Harina is a soft flour that is made from dried corn kernels that have been soaked and cooked in lime water. In this case, lime refers to a solution of calcium hydroxide and water. Not the green limes in your supermarket so don’t be trying to make it at home. It can also be made from finely ground hominy. You can get either white or yellow masa. In contrast, cornmeal is made from dried corn kernel. This hasn’t been treated with that special lime water, so you cannot substitute cornmeal for masa or vice versa without having an entirely different product, as I discovered. So you know how I like to experiment. I made this with a cornbread mix the first time since it’s easier for most people to get cornbread vs. masa. It tasted NOTHING like tamales. Not even close. Maybe tasty, but it was a cornbread casserole. Not tamales.
How Do You Reheat Tamale Pie?
I see this question a lot in various forums. You guys know I love my Instant Pot. Do not use your Instant Pot to reheat tamales. Instead, leave them in the husk, and zap in the microwave for 1 minute. ONE MINUTE! Even if they were frozen, they only take maximum of 2 minutes. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t get my Instant pot out and hooked up in that little time!
Other Authentic Mexican Recipes
After years in Texas, I have a ton of easy, authentic Mexican Recipes you should check out. They may not be made in traditional ways, but they taste authentic because I believe in #RuthlessEfficiency. Here are some Fan Favorites.
Air Fryer Taco MeatballsInstant Pot Carne GuisadaInstant pot tortilla soupKeto Tacos De AlambreAir Fryer Queso fundidoAir Fryer Chile RellenosRopa de viejaArroz con poloCaldo de ResCaldo de Pollo con ArrozInstant Pot Chicken Tacos
But if you’re looking for a fast, authentic Mexican tamale taste but without the authentic work required to make this try my Pressure Cooker Tamale Pie and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe or share on Facebook so your friends can enjoy it as well.
Don’t forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.
