Freeze Ahead Tamale Pies Recipes

TAMALE PIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make filling: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. In two batches, brown turkey, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet. Cook onion, jalapeno, and cumin, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes; season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Return turkey to pan; stir in tomatoes and corn until combined.
• Make Crust. Pour 1/8 of the crust (1/4 cup) into the bottom of each of eight 10- to 12-ounce ramekins. Smooth tops with a spoon; cool 5 minutes. Top each with turkey filling, dividing evenly; sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake on a rimmed baking sheet until filling is bubbling and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.

FREEZE-AHEAD TAMALE PIES

Steps:

• Spray foil pans with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix frozen beef, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and chiles. Divide mixture evenly among pot pie pans, about 3/4 cup each.
• In small bowl, mix cornmeal and 3/4 cup water. In 2-quart saucepan, heat 3 1/4 cups water and the salt to boiling. Add cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils; reduce heat.
• Cover and simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very thick; remove from heat. Stir until smooth. Spoon and spread about 2/3 cup cornmeal mixture over each pie, sealing to edges.
• Cover loosely with foil; freeze about 1 hour. Place in freezer container or resealable freezer plastic bags; seal well and label. Freeze up to 2 months.
• To bake, heat oven to 350°F. Do not thaw. Place desired number of pot pies on cookie sheet. Bake uncovered 40 to 50 minutes or until filling is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons cheese; bake 3 to 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

TAMALE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Combine beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a 10" ovenproof skillet. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
• Add taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer until water evaporates. Stir in enchilada sauce. Top with 1 ½ cups of cheese.
• Combine corn muffin mix, sour cream, corn, milk ,and egg. Spread over the beef mixture.
• Top with remaining cheese and bake 35-40 minutes.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve.