Easy Carnitas Tamale Pie: Your New Favorite Weeknight Casserole

Transform your leftovers into a stunning weeknight meal! This easy carnitas tamale pie features savory, tender pork baked under a cheesy, moist cornbread crust. It’s a one-pan comfort food masterpiece your whole family will absolutely love.

We’ve all been there. You make a big, beautiful batch of carnitas over the weekend. It’s incredible. But now it’s Tuesday, and you’re staring at the leftovers, not quite in the mood for another round of tacos. This exact situation is what led me to create one of my family’s most requested dinners: this incredible carnitas tamale pie.

This dish is pure comfort in a skillet. Imagine a layer of rich, savory pork simmered in a tangy enchilada sauce, all tucked under a warm, golden blanket of cheesy, tender cornbread. It has all the soul-warming flavors of a traditional tamale but comes together in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making extra carnitas on purpose. Let’s get cooking!

Quick Recipe

Why This Recipe Just Works

FeatureBenefit
One-Pan WonderEverything comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Weeknight FriendlyA stunning dinner ready in under an hour.
Amazing FlavorSavory carnitas and sweet cornbread are a perfect match.
The Best LeftoversThe absolute best leftover carnitas recipe you’ll ever find.

What Exactly Is a Tamale Pie?

Think of this as a deconstructed tamale. Instead of wrapping a masa filling inside a corn husk, we’re layering the delicious filling in a baking dish and topping it with a quick and easy cornbread batter. You get all the classic flavors without the intricate work of wrapping individual tamales. This version, a cornbread tamale pie, is especially satisfying. The slightly sweet cornbread crust perfectly balances the rich, savory pork beneath. It’s a classic American comfort food with a delicious Mexican twist.

Essential Ingredients

I’ve broken this down into two parts: the filling and the topping. The ingredient list looks long, but it’s mostly pantry staples!

Ingredients for Carnitas Tamale Pie
Ingredients for Carnitas Tamale Pie

For the Savory Carnitas Filling:

For the Cheesy Cornbread Topping:

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy here, which is part of the beauty of this dish.

How to Make the Best Carnitas Tamale Pie, Step-by-Step

This process is simple and satisfying. Just follow along, and you’ll have a perfect pie every time.

Step 1: Get Ready

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important so the pie starts baking immediately in a hot environment, which helps the cornbread rise properly.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Filling

Savory carnitas filling simmering
Savory carnitas filling simmering

Step 3: Mix the Cornbread Topping

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

A New Weeknight Hero

This carnitas tamale pie has become a true staple in my home. It’s the kind of meal that feels special and indulgent but is secretly so easy to pull together. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and the best way I know to give leftovers a spectacular second life. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does. Happy cooking!

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