Go Back
+ servings

Al Pastor Cornbread Tamale Pie

This Al Pastor Cornbread Tamale Pie combines the sweet and savory flavors of tacos al pastor with a cheesy tamale casserole twist. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and family friendly.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Brunch, Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Al Pastor Cornbread Tamale Pie
Servings: 8
Calories: 427kcal

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet

Ingredients

Cornbread layer 

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 8.5 oz  box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
  • 1 7 oz can of diced green chilis
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • cup sour cream

Meat layer 

  • 2 tablespoon canola oil*
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups diced fresh pineapple (cut into small cubes)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped 
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dry oregano 
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped*
  • 2 medium naval oranges, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Topping

  • 1 8 oz block of mild or sharp cheddar, shredded 
  • garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices and lime wedges

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Make the cornbread layer: In a large (10”-12”) cast iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Move the butter around with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, Stir together Jiffy cornbread mix, diced green chilis, beaten egg, and sour cream. Pour the mixture into the butter-greased skillet, and bake for 20 minutes, until lightly browned and fluffy. Prick across the cornbread layer with a fork all over, and set aside.
  • While the cornbread layer bakes, prep and cook the filling. Add butter and oil to a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and let the butter melt and get bubbly. Swirl with a wooden spoon to coat the pan.
  • Add the diced pineapple to the pan in an even layer and cook, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes, until caramelized. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until pineapple is mostly caramelized (it is OK if some edges are not golden). Remove the pineapple to a bowl, and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until slightly softened, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the ground pork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, breaking up as you go until the meat is well browned and no pink remains, 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the red pepper flakes, cumin, oregano and brown sugar, and toss to combine. Cook until fragrant, 1-2 mins.
  • Add the chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar and orange juice. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  • Spread the meat mixture over the cornbread layer. Distribute reserved caramelized pineapple over top of meat layer. Cover with shredded cheddar cheese and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  • Optional: broil and additional 1-3 minutes on high to add extra char/browning to the top layer.
  • Allow to cool 10-15 minutes before serving, and serve with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced avocado and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 319mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg