Dinner

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie Recipe

ByElena Hart February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Introduction

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with a cheesy, cornbread topping, this recipe offers the comforting taste of traditional tamales without the fuss.

A black slow cooker holds a layered dish with two visible layers: the thick, golden-yellow cornbread layer on top, textured with small bubbles and a slightly browned edge; underneath is a rich, chunky filling featuring browned ground meat mixed with yellow corn kernels, green pepper pieces, and diced red tomatoes, partially scooped out by a light wooden spoon resting diagonally on the top right. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth partially visible at the lower right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 small white onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced
2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. ground cumin
20 oz. Rotel Tomatoes (two 10 oz. cans)
15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

3 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (to add later)
1 8.5-oz. package Jiffy corn muffin mix

1 egg
1/3 cup milk
8.5 oz. can corn, drained (smaller can)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat.
Step 2: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, chili powder, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: When the cooking time is done, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir it into the meat mixture thoroughly.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the Jiffy corn muffin mix, egg, milk, and drained corn until combined. Some lumps are okay. Spread this batter evenly over the meat mixture in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, until the cornbread topping is set and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve warm and enjoy your comforting slow cooker tamale pie.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
Use black beans instead of pinto beans for a different texture and flavor.

Top with sour cream or sliced avocado for added creaminess.
If you prefer a thicker topping, reduce the milk slightly in the cornbread batter.

Storage

Store leftover tamale pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a black oval slow cooker filled with a two-layer baked dish. The top layer is a golden-yellow baked crust with a slightly crispy edge, smooth in texture, covering the filling underneath. The bottom layer is a chunky, thick mix of vegetables and ground meat with warm brown and red tones, visible where a scoop is taken out with a wooden spoon resting inside. To the top right, a white plate holds a serving of the same dish, showing the layered structure clearly with the golden crust on top and the hearty filling beneath. The setup is on a white marbled surface with a green cloth nearby and two silver forks placed at the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Brown it thoroughly and follow the recipe the same way.

Do I have to use a slow cooker?

While the slow cooker is ideal for convenience and flavor development, you can prepare this dish on the stove and finish the topping in the oven if you prefer.