Easy Vegetarian Tamale Pie Recipe with Black Beans

October 13, 2021May 5, 2024

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 4 reviews

A Vegetarian Tamale Pie recipe with a super easy masa crust that is loaded with flavor, satisfying, and naturally gluten-free! Plus, it’s easy to make this vegetarian version vegan with a few substitutions. It’s a great option for any diet!

It was time this easy tamale pie got a reboot. Not just with new images, but with a few tweaks to the recipe to make it even better. This recipe was good before, but after the changes, it was so good it was hard to stop eating! The ingredient list may look long, but most are basic spices and pantry ingredients many home cooks will already have on hand: canned diced tomatoes, frozen corn, cumin, cinnamon, garlic, etc. The most unique ingredient might be masa harina. But if you’re unfamiliar, fear not! You can find it in most major grocery stores and it’s very easy to work with. Let’s make it!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase any of the items linked in this post, I should earn a small commission. This creates no additional cost to you and helps support the work that goes into running The Fig Jar. Thank you! -Becky

INGREDIENTS

VEGETARIAN TAMALE PIE RECIPE

FILLINGS

canned tomatoes and tomato paste
black beans
frozen corn kernels
chopped onions and green pepper
garlic
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cinnamon

CRUST

Some tamale pie recipes call for a cornbread crust or cornbread topping. However, I prefer to make a simple pie crust that sits underneath the bean mixture. With this, there is plenty of that “corn tamale” taste and texture, so adding another layer on top is a bit overkill. For the crust, you’ll need:

masa harina
water
butter

WHAT IS MASA HARINA?

It’s corn that has been soaked in a solution of calcium hydroxide (referred to as lime water, but it’s not made with limes), then dried and ground. Soaking the corn in this solution softens it and makes it easier for our bodies to digest and absorb certain nutrients, like niacin. This is different from corn meal in that corn meal is not soaked and has a coarser texture.

WHERE CAN I FIND MASA HARINA?

Masa harina can be found in most supermarkets, either in the international foods aisle (in the Latin foods section) or the baking aisle. Bobs Red Mill makes it, their brand is usually with the rest of their stuff in the baking aisle, in my experience. You can also buy it online (affiliate link).

HOW TO MAKE VEGETARIAN TAMALE PIE

MASA HARINA CRUST

It’s so easy! You will need masa harina, melted butter, water, and salt. All you need to do is add masa harina, water, melted butter, and salt to a large bowl. Mix until the masa has absorbed the liquids. The cornmeal mixture will become dough-like and should stay together in a cohesive mass when you squeeze it. If it seems too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of water. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside while you make the filling! Once you’re ready to assemble the crust, just press the dough into a pie pan or baking dish to create an even layer on the bottom and sides of the pan.

THE FILLING

I tested this recipe several times. Initially, I used tomato sauce, as many other recipes used tomato sauce, however, I landed on the perfect flavor and consistency when I used tomato paste and diced canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. Other recipes also call for enchilada sauce, but the filling itself is a type of spicy vegetable mixture covered in tomato sauce that does a great job of replacing that enchilada sauce (and I’d add is the best part about a tamale pie!).

Preparing the filling is very simple. The most important thing to do is let it simmer long enough so no thin liquid remains (also, it’s always a good idea to let a “tamale casserole” like this rest at room temperature after taking it out of the oven so it comes out of the pan in those nice, clean slices). To make the filling, simply heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers. Cook until softened and golden brown, stirring occasionally about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until golden brown. This filling will fit perfectly in a 9-inch pie pan.

Next, add frozen corn, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, tomato paste, beans, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese.

One of the changes I made to the recipe in my recent update was adding cheese to the filling and not just on top of the filling. This was a game-changer. It mellows out the acidity from the tomatoes and the spice from the chipotle peppers and helps the filling bind together a bit better.

cheddar cheese being sprinkle on tamale pie

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS FOR TAMALE PIE

This is super yummy as is but I love to add:

sour cream
avocado slices
chopped fresh cilantro
green onions
black olives

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TAMALE PIE

Since Tamale Pie can be a bit spicy, filling, and full of flavor, I suggest serving it with a simple, less bold side. Serving it with a simple salad of mixed greens is a nice light accompaniment for this hearty pie. Sour cream also helps cool down the heat from the spicy pie filling.

vegetarian tamale pie with one slice missing

SWAPS, ADDITIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

If you need to make substitutions with the fillings–zucchini or yellow squash could be used in place of the corn. You could use pinto beans, kidney beans, or white beans instead of black beans. If you’d like to add some extra spice, feel free to add some chopped poblano pepper (add to your liking). This can easily be turned into a vegan tamale pie recipe by replacing the butter and cheese with vegan butter and vegan cheese.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

To store this tamale pie, allow it to come to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate and heat in one-minute increments until hot (microwave ovens will vary).

side view of tamale pie on a plate with a mixed green salad

TRIED THIS VEGETARIAN TAMALE PIE RECIPE?

If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a comment/rating below and let me know how it went. I’d love to hear from you! You can also connect with me on instagram and Pinterest.