Turkey Tamale Pie
Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than Turkey Tamale Pie! This mouthwatering dish combines the flavors of savory turkey, spicy chili, and cheesy cornbread into one irresistible casserole. It’s like comfort food on steroids!
The Perfect Comfort Food
Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy layer of cornbread that’s been baked to golden perfection. As you take a bite, the rich flavors of tender turkey and zesty chili blend together in a symphony of taste. The combination of textures and flavors in Turkey Tamale Pie is like a party in your mouth!
A Twist on a Classic
Turkey Tamale Pie is a modern twist on the traditional Mexican dish, tamales. While tamales are typically made with masa dough and filled with various ingredients, this recipe takes a shortcut by using a cornbread topping instead. It’s a time-saving hack that doesn’t sacrifice any of the deliciousness!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best things about Turkey Tamale Pie is that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. From ground turkey and canned beans to cornmeal and cheese, everything you need is easily accessible. No need to make a special trip to the grocery store!
How to Make Turkey Tamale Pie
Step 1: Start by browning ground turkey in a skillet. Add onions, garlic, and spices for extra flavor.
Step 2: In a separate pot, prepare a homemade chili by combining tomatoes, beans, corn, and your favorite spices. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
Step 3: While the chili is simmering, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to make the cornbread topping. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter to form a thick batter.
Step 4: Pour the chili into a baking dish and top it with the cornbread batter. Smooth it out evenly, making sure to cover all the chili.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of the bubbling chili and freshly baked cornbread will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, Turkey Tamale Pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its comforting flavors and impressive presentation make it the perfect dish to share. Plus, it’s so delicious that your guests will be begging for seconds!
FAQs
1. Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken is a great substitute for turkey in Turkey Tamale Pie. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and shred it before adding it to the chili.
2. Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
A: Of course! Simply omit the turkey and use extra beans or tofu instead. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
3. Q: Is Turkey Tamale Pie spicy?
A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili powder or opt for a mild chili seasoning. If you’re a spice lover, feel free to add some hot sauce or diced jalapenos for an extra kick.
4. Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Turkey Tamale Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a cold dish will take longer to cook through.
5. Q: Can I freeze Turkey Tamale Pie?
A: Yes, you can! After baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at a lower temperature until heated through.
6. Q: Can I add extra toppings to Turkey Tamale Pie?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro. The more toppings, the merrier!
7. Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and ensure that your cornmeal is labeled gluten-free. You won’t have to sacrifice any flavor or texture!
8. Q: Can I use a store-bought chili instead of making it from scratch?
A: Yes, you can use a pre-made chili if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand that you enjoy, as it will greatly impact the final flavor of the dish.
In Conclusion
Turkey Tamale Pie is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the best elements of comfort food and Mexican cuisine. With its flavorful turkey chili and cheesy cornbread topping, it’s a dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure deliciousness!
Turkey Tamale Pie
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large onion , finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper , finely diced
- 2 poblano peppers , finely diced
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 can (7 ounces) of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 cups of diced cooked turkey (or more , depending on preference)
- 1 package (8 ounces) of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 jar (15.5 ounces) of red enchilada sauce
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups of cornmeal
- ¾ cup of self-rising flour
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups of milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the onion with a large pinch of salt until translucent, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper and poblano peppers to the skillet. Season with black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Cook and stir until the peppers start to soften, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the chipotles and adobo sauce. Combine well and remove from heat.
- Add the turkey and half of the Cheddar cheese to the pepper mixture. Pour in the enchilada sauce, remaining salt, and chicken broth. Stir the mixture and pour it into a 9x12-inch baking dish, placing the dish over a sheet pan to catch any drippings.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and kosher salt. Add the eggs and milk, whisking until a thin batter forms.
- Ladle the batter over the turkey mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the topping is browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Feel free to use any other meat or vegetable as a substitution for the turkey in this recipe.
- If you don't have self-rising flour, you
