Tamale Pie Recipe Jiffy

Classic tamale pie recipe Jiffy style, with cheesy beef filling and a sweet golden cornbread topping. Easy one-pan dinner, crowd-pleasing and comforting for any night.

RecipeRate
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
5-Ingredient Dump & Go Crockpot Meals by Sarah Mitchell - book cover
Cookbook spotlight

5-Ingredient Dump & Go Crockpot Meals

101 effortless slow cooker recipes for busy families.

By Sarah Mitchell

View on AmazonAvailable on Amazon

Craving a cozy dinner that’s easy and family-approved? This tamale pie recipe Jiffy style delivers a classic, cheesy casserole packed with Tex-Mex flavor. With quick prep, everyday ingredients, and a golden Jiffy cornbread topping, this tamale pie recipe Jiffy is perfect for busy nights when you want delicious comfort food fast straight from our kitchen to yours.

Tamale pie recipe Jiffy with golden cornbread and cheesy beef filling
Tamale pie recipe Jiffy with cheesy beef and golden cornbread topping
Table of Contents

Intro & Personal Story

What is Tamale Pie Recipe Jiffy

When we say comfort food, we mean recipes like this tamale pie recipe Jiffy lovers crave. Our earliest kitchen memories always take us back to family nights, hands sticky from shredding cheese and laughter echoing as we argued about who got the last corner piece. This tamale pie recipe Jiffy version is the dish we grew up on hearty, bubbly, cheesy, and golden-topped with Jiffy cornbread. We love it for its Tex-Mex flavors, quick prep, and that magical “wow” moment when you scoop through the sweet cornbread layer into the saucy, beefy filling below.

“Hi there! We’re Emma and Ella – the twin sisters behind The Cooking Twins.
From childhood, our happiest memories have always involved mixing bowls, sweet aromas, and creating magic in the kitchen without even turning on the oven. That’s where our love for easy, fuss-free meals was born simple, fun, and full of heart. While most of our blog is packed with no-bake treats like No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars and No-Bake Cheesecake Filling, savory classics like this tamale pie recipe Jiffy style bring everyone to the table.Kids, a hungry crowd, or just a quick dinner for yourself — this recipe is tested with care and made to be shared.”

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tamale pie recipe Jiffy with golden cornbread and cheesy beef filling

Tamale Pie Recipe Jiffy


  • Author: Emma & Ella
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Classic tamale pie recipe Jiffy style, with cheesy beef filling and a sweet golden cornbread topping. Easy one-pan dinner, crowd-pleasing and comforting for any night.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)

1 small red pepper, diced

1 cup frozen corn kernels or canned corn (drained)

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies

1 (1 oz.) packet low-sodium taco seasoning or 4 tbsp homemade

1 (12 oz.) can enchilada sauce (about 1 1/2 cups)

3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional: sour cream, cilantro, green onions, black olives for topping

For the cornbread topping:

1 (8.5 oz.) box Jiffy cornbread mix

1 large egg

1/3 cup milk


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F: Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a 10-inch oven-proof: In a 10-inch oven-proof skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef and brown for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the meat (use a potato masher for fine texture).
  3. Add onion, red pepper: Add onion, red pepper, corn, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine and cook 3-4 minutes until veggies are soft.
  4. Stir in enchilada sauce: Stir in enchilada sauce and half the cheese. Taste and add salt if needed.
  5. (If not using oven-proof: (If not using oven-proof skillet, transfer mixture to a 9×9 baking dish now.)
  6. In a bowl, whisk: In a bowl, whisk together Jiffy cornbread mix, egg, and milk until smooth.
  7. Pour cornbread batter over: Pour cornbread batter over meat mixture, gently smoothing to edges. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and filling is bubbly.
  9. Let rest 5-10 minutes: Let rest 5-10 minutes. Top with sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and black olives. Serve warm.

Notes

No oven-proof skillet? Use any baking dish.

Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Let the pie rest before slicing so the layers hold.

Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen. Reheat covered.

Great for gatherings—double for a crowd!

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
  • Calories: 614
  • Sugar: 12.3g
  • Sodium: 1221mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 39.2g
  • Fiber: 2.2g
  • Protein: 41.5g
  • Cholesterol: 164mg

Why You’ll Love It

This tamale pie recipe Jiffy edition is seriously easy to make. There’s no need to fuss with tamale wrappers or anything complicated. You brown some ground beef, toss in Tex-Mex classics like peppers, corn, and enchilada sauce, then top with a quick-mix Jiffy cornbread batter. Twenty-five minutes later, you get bubbling, cheesy, golden goodness that’s perfect for any night. The Jiffy cornbread gives a sweet, tender bite that pairs perfectly with the savory beef filling. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder less mess, more flavor, and family-pleasing every single time.

Advertisement

If you’re a fan of hearty casseroles, you’ll love pairing this tamale pie with other cozy favorites like our Cheesy Beef Fajita Dirty Rice Casserole or digging into chilled desserts like our No-Bake Flag Cheesecake for the perfect finish.

Quick Overview

Key Features of This Tamale Pie Recipe Jiffy

This tamale pie recipe Jiffy brings together everything you want in a classic weeknight casserole. You get savory ground beef, melty cheddar, colorful veggies, and a sweet, fluffy Jiffy cornbread crust baked all in one skillet. The prep is simple, making it ideal for busy cooks. This dinner feels like home, especially when you top it off with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced black olives.

Even better, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in a single pan. It’s a comfort food hero, much like our Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole and crowd-pleasers such as Oatmeal No Bake Cookies for dessert.

Nutrition, Timing, and Yield

Big family or batch cooking for leftovers — this recipe is satisfying and hearty either way. Here’s a quick look at what you get:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Course: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
  • Servings: 6
  • Calories per serving: 614 kcal

Below is a table for the nutrition breakdown per serving:

Nutrition Table

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatSat. FatCholesterolSodiumPotassiumFiberSugarCalciumIron
614 kcal39.2g41.5g30g16.2g164mg1221mg518mg2.2g12.3g511mg17mg

This tamale pie recipe Jiffy is a great make-ahead meal. It’s a staple for anyone who loves the flavors of classic Tex-Mex and wants a no-fuss dinner that’s always a hit. If you’re looking for more easy ideas, you might also enjoy our Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.

Ingredients

Breakdown of Filling Ingredients

This tamale pie recipe Jiffy calls for a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver classic flavor and heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need for the filling:

Tamale pie recipe Jiffy ingredients in ceramic bowls
Ingredients for tamale pie recipe Jiffy in rustic ceramic bowls
IngredientAmount
Lean ground beef1 lb
Onion, diced1 small (1 cup)
Red pepper, diced1 small
Corn (frozen or canned, drained)1 cup
Diced green chilies1 (4 oz) can
Taco seasoning (low sodium)1 packet (or 4 tbsp)
Enchilada sauce1 (12 oz) can (about 1 1/2 cups)
Cheddar cheese, shredded3 cups
Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, green onions, black olivesas desired

You’ll recognize these as the classic Tex-Mex ingredients that make every bite comforting. If you love creative casseroles, check out our Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna for another twist on a cheesy, hearty meal.

Advertisement

Jiffy Cornbread Topping Essentials

The secret to this recipe’s irresistible top layer is that iconic Jiffy cornbread mix. It bakes up golden and just sweet enough to balance the savory filling. Here’s what you need for the cornbread topping:

IngredientAmount
Jiffy cornbread mix1 (8.5 oz) box
Egg1 large
Milk1/3 cup

This easy cornbread layer makes the dish truly unique and helps bring the whole casserole together. For more quick and delicious base ideas, you might also enjoy our No-Bake Cheesecake Filling a staple for sweet, chilled desserts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make the Beef Filling

Start by grabbing a 10-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-proof skillet. Heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it brown for about 3–4 minutes. For a finer texture, use a potato masher in the last minute of cooking.
Once the meat is mostly browned, add the diced onion, red pepper, corn, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and their flavors mingle beautifully with the beef.

Next, pour in the enchilada sauce and sprinkle in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. If you’re not using an oven-proof skillet, now is the time to transfer your mixture to a 9×9 baking dish.

Recipes like this are meant to be shared, just like our Cheesy Beef Fajita Dirty Rice Casserole. They bring everyone to the table!

Mixing & Baking the Jiffy Cornbread Topping

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, add the Jiffy cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Whisk until smooth and all ingredients are just incorporated. Break apart any big clumps for the fluffiest topping.

Carefully pour the cornbread batter over your beef mixture in the skillet or baking dish. Use a spatula or butter knife to gently push the batter to the edges and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the cornbread layer.

Slide your skillet (or dish) into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The tamale pie is done when the cornbread is golden and cooked through, and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving this helps everything set up for perfect scooping!

Advertisement

Need a sweet treat for after dinner? Try something cool and easy like our No Bake Flag Cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

Toppings and Sides for Tamale Pie

When it comes to serving this tamale pie recipe Jiffy, the toppings make it even better. Spoonfuls of sour cream add a cool creaminess, while fresh cilantro brings color and a pop of flavor. Green onions give a gentle bite, and sliced black olives offer a salty contrast. Want to make it even more special? Let everyone customize their own slice with a “topping bar” kids and adults both love this!

On the side, keep things easy with a simple green salad or a bowl of tortilla chips. You could also serve up a Tex-Mex-inspired slaw or roasted corn for a summer touch. Tamale pie pairs perfectly with easy, family-style casseroles like our Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole or ends the meal with a sweet bite such as Oatmeal No Bake Cookies.

How to Serve for Family or Gatherings

For family dinners, bring your skillet or baking dish right to the table and let everyone help themselves. This recipe is just as crowd-pleasing for potlucks and gatherings just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Leftovers are even better the next day, making lunch or another dinner quick and delicious.

Pro Tips & Storage

Expert Tips for Best Results

For the absolute best tamale pie recipe Jiffy, here are a few tricks from our kitchen:

  • Use a potato masher during the last minute of browning the beef for a fine, even texture.
  • Let the pie rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set up so each slice comes out clean and layered.
  • Don’t overmix the cornbread batter a few lumps are fine! Overmixing can make the topping dense instead of tender.
  • Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want a little kick.
  • If you love Tex-Mex casseroles, you might also enjoy our Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for a creamy, tangy dinner twist.

If you need a dessert that’s just as easy, grab our No-Bake Caramel Pretzel Crack Bars for a perfect sweet finish.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Leftovers of this tamale pie recipe Jiffy style store beautifully. Place cooled slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Advertisement

To reheat, microwave individual pieces or bake covered at 350°F until heated through. The cornbread topping stays surprisingly moist, and the flavors only get better by day two!

This is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation and share with friends on Pinterest or in family recipe swaps.

FAQs

How long does tamale pie take to make?

With this tamale pie recipe Jiffy, you can have dinner on the table in just 45 minutes. Prep takes about 10 minutes and baking is 35 minutes. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for any night when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this tamale pie recipe Jiffy. It keeps the filling flavorful and lighter, and the seasonings and sauce blend just as well. If you want more inspiration for family casseroles, try our Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.

How do I know when the cornbread topping is cooked?

You’ll know the cornbread topping is ready when it’s golden brown and springs back when gently pressed in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, and the edges of your tamale pie should be bubbling. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps everything set up for serving.

What are the best toppings for tamale pie?

Classic toppings for tamale pie include sour cream, fresh cilantro, green onions, and sliced black olives. You can also add avocado, pickled jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce. Get creative! The toppings are just as customizable as with our No Bake Cheesecake Filling mix and match for your perfect bite.

From our family to yours, this tamale pie recipe Jiffy style is all about big flavor and simple, satisfying comfort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this easy casserole brings everyone together with just a few steps and plenty of cheesy goodness. Don’t forget to share your creation with us on Facebook or Pinterest. Ready to make it? Let’s cook tonight!

Must‑Have Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe:

Some links may be affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Emma Frost
Behind the recipe

Emma Frost

Emma Frost is co-founder and comfort food specialist at The Cooking Twins. She develops and tests the site's savory recipes, with a focus on loaded dinners, cast-iron cooking, and weeknight dishes that are genuinely reliable. Every recipe she publishes has been made independently and cross-checked with Ella before going live. Find her on LinkedIn or reach the team at hello@thecookingtwins.com.More recipes from Emma Frost

Ratings & Reviews

Leave a review
Made this recipe?

We'd love to hear how it turned out.

Leave a Review

Your email address will not be published.

Your Rating (optional)