Howdy, y’all! When it comes to comforting meals that feed a crowd and keep everyone coming back for seconds, nothing beats a good Tamale Pie. This recipe has it all: savory ground pork, flavorful spices, hearty beans, and a golden, cornbread topping that’s sure to steal the show.
And here’s the kicker—it’s made even better with our Permaculture Pastures Whatta Box. If you’re new here, our Whatta Box is a 20-pound bulk package of ground beef and pork, perfect for filling your freezer with high-quality, grass-fed goodness. Stocking up saves you money and keeps your family well-fed with clean, nutritious protein straight from our Texas pastures.
Let’s get cooking!
Why Choose Permaculture Pastures Ground Pork?
Our pasture-raised ground pork is as flavorful as it is nutritious. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
• Rich Flavor: Raised on healthy, natural forage, our pork boasts a robust, clean taste.
• Ethical Farming: Our animals live happy, stress-free lives, resulting in higher-quality meat.
• Bulk Savings: With the Whatta Box, you’ll have plenty of ground pork and beef for recipes like this one!
Grass-Fed Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
• ¼ cup vegetable oil, divided
• 3 pounds Permaculture Pastures ground pork (triple the recipe!)
• 6 scallions, whites and greens separated, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 3 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes with juices
• 1½ cups chicken stock or broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Tamale Topping (Cornbread Substitute):
• 2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cornmeal
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional Cilantro Iceberg Salad:
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced (optional)
• Ranch dressing or Mexican crema
• Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Pork:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the skillet until shimmering. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Season the Filling:
Stir in the scallion whites, chili powder, oregano, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Tamale Topping:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil until smooth. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Assemble the Pie:
Spread the pork mixture evenly in the skillet. Pour the tamale topping batter over the filling, smoothing it into an even layer.
6. Bake the Pie:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through, until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Optional Salad:
Toss cilantro leaves and iceberg lettuce together. Serve alongside a slice of tamale pie, drizzled with ranch dressing or Mexican crema, and a squeeze of lime.
A Perfect Crowd-Pleaser
This tamale pie isn’t just a dinner—it’s a celebration of Texas flavors and family time around the table. The cornbread topping is golden and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the savory, spiced pork filling. Add the optional cilantro salad for a refreshing crunch, and you’ve got a meal that’ll make everyone happy.
Why Our Whatta Box is a Must-Have
If you’re in Decatur, Allen, Trophy Club, or Flower Mound, Texas, our Whatta Box is your new best friend. With 20 pounds of grass-fed ground pork and beef, you’ll always have quality protein on hand for recipes like this one. Buying in bulk not only saves you money but also ensures you’re feeding your family the very best.
Closing Thoughts
Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this tamale pie is a guaranteed hit. And when you make it with Permaculture Pastures pork, you’re serving up a meal that’s delicious, nutritious, and sustainable.
So grab your skillet, stock up on a Whatta Box, and get ready to impress your family with this Texas-inspired dish!
Happy cooking,
Addison Smith
Permaculture Pastures