Get ready to cozy up with a slice of pure comfort! This California Tamale Pie brings together all the beloved flavors of a traditional tamale and transforms them into a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy-to-make casserole, all cooked in your slow cooker. Featuring savory ground beef, vibrant corn, black beans, tangy salsa, and a fluffy cornmeal topping, crowned with melted Monterey Jack cheese, it’s the ultimate fuss-free meal perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a comforting family dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

This California Tamale Pie is a true weeknight hero! What I love most is how it takes the concept of a tamale and makes it accessible for everyday cooking, without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors of the ground beef, zesty salsa, and robust beans to meld beautifully. The cornmeal toppingbecomes wonderfully tender and cake-like, acting as a perfect complement to the savory filling. And that melty Monterey Jack cheese on top is the perfect finishing touch. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting California Tamale Pie:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 3/4 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
• 1 pound ground beef (lean recommended)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: Sour cream and fresh jalapeno pepper slices

Swaps and Notes

• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth gives you more control over saltiness. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Cornmeal: Fine or medium-grind cornmeal will give the best texture for the “crust” layer.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excessive fat in the slow cooker. Ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and sausage can also be used.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: Essential for that classic Southwestern flavor. Adjust to your taste.
• Chunky Salsa: Use your favorite brand and heat level of chunky salsa. Pico de gallo could also work for a fresher flavor.
• Whole Kernel Corn: Drained canned corn is convenient. Fresh or frozen corn (thawed) can be used.
• Black Beans: Ensure they are rinsed and drained thoroughly. Pinto beans or kidney beans can be substituted.
• Ripe Olives: Sliced black olives add a briny, savory note. Omit if not a fan.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. Cheddar, a Mexican blend, or Colby Jack cheese would also be delicious.
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream and fresh jalapeño slices add coolness, tang, and heat. Other toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or hot sauce would also be great.

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Directions

Let’s get this delicious and easy California Tamale Pie simmering in your slow cooker!

1. Prepare Slow Cooker Base: In a 3-quart (or larger) slow cooker, combine the 1 cup of beef broth and 3/4 cup of cornmeal. Whisk them together until well combined and there are no lumps. Let this mixture stand for 5 minutes. This allows the cornmeal to begin to absorb the liquid.
2. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: While the cornmeal is soaking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin into the cooked beef.
3. Combine Filling in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned ground beef mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker with the cornmeal mixture. Stir in the entire 16-ounce jar of chunky salsa, the drained 15-1/4 ounce can of whole kernel corn, the rinsed and drained 15-ounce can of black beans, and the 1/4 cup of sliced ripe olives. Stir everything well to combine all the filling ingredients.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly heated through and the cornmeal base is tender and cooked.
5. Add Cheese & Final Cook: Once the tamale pie is heated through, open the slow cooker and sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes longer, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: If desired, top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and fresh jalapeño slices for extra flavor and coolness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious California Tamale Pie!

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Tips for Success

• Soak Cornmeal: Allowing the cornmeal to soak in the broth for a few minutes before cooking helps it to hydrate and ensures a smoother, more tender texture for the cornmeal layer.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Removing excess fat from the ground beef is important for a less greasy casserole.
• Don’t Overcook: The goal in the slow cooker is to heat ingredients through and meld flavors, not to dry them out. The 6-8 hour low setting is ideal.
• Adjust Spiciness: Choose a mild, medium, or hot salsa to control the overall heat of the pie. The optional fresh jalapeño slices can add more kick.
• Patience for Cheese Melt: The final 5-10 minutes for melting the cheese ensures it’s perfectly gooey.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This California Tamale Pie is a complete and hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:

• Fresh Toppings: A small bowl of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or extra salsa can be offered for customization.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.
• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up any extra pie or for a crunchy side.
• Margaritas or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages to complement the flavors.
• For other incredibly flavorful and easy Mexican-inspired meals, you might also love our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or a simple yet satisfying Walking Taco Bar.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This California Tamale Pie makes fantastic leftovers!

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight!
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, you can cover it with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot and bubbly.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, cheesy, and easy nature of this slow cooker tamale pie, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan meal that feeds a crowd, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
• If you’re a fan of comforting beef and rice dishes, our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a hearty winner.
• And for another go-to cozy chicken dinner that’s super versatile, don’t miss These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners!

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Final Thoughts

This California Tamale Pie recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, a casual gathering, or simply when you’re craving that delicious Southwestern flair. The slow cooker makes it a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder!

Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite slow cooker comfort food? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!