This cornbread tamale pie is a simple and delicious recipe that comes together in minutes and tastes incredible too. Use a box of Jiffy mix and some leftover chili to keep it as frugal as it is tasty.
Making meals with leftover chili can sometimes be a challenge, but this recipe makes it so much easier. I love making recipes with leftovers like Quick Horchata Recipe (With Leftover Rice) or Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup.
This recipe is so easy to toss together and it's always so delicious. see canned chili or your favorite homemade chili recipe like this 5 Ingredient Instant Pot Chili and you're sure to love it!
Why This Recipe Works
- Minimal ingredients. You just need a couple of ingredients to make this Jiffy tamale pie, so don't worry about making expensive trips to the grocery store. You probably already have the items needed in your pantry or fridge.
- It's frugal. I love making tamale pie with Jiffy mix because it is always so cheap and easy. Leftover chili is already on hand, and boxed cornbread is about 2 for $1, so this is one of the cheapest dinner recipes we have in our collection.
- It's great for stretching smaller portions. If you have a family of 4 but only 2 servings of chili, making this tamale pie is a great way to turn two portions into a filling meal for the whole family.
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🥘 Ingredients
Chili- You will need some leftover chili. Chili from the day before always tastes best because the chili has had all of that extra time to develop the flavors.
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix- You will need to use a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix that has already been prepared according to package directions. This means adding the egg and milk as directed by the box.
For specific quantities, see the recipe card below.
🍽 Equipment Needed
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🔪 Instructions
Check out how to make cornbread tamale pie with these simple step-by-step instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the inside of an 8x8 baking dish.
Spread your chili into an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
In a mixing bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix according to package instructions and then pour it over the top of the chili. Spread it out into an even layer as best as you can.
Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out clean.
Let cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
🍴 Recipe Tips
Bake time note
This recipe's baking time is based on using cold leftover chili from the fridge. If using warmed chili or room temperature chili check on the tamale pie about 10 minutes early to see if it is finished cooking a little faster than expected.
🧾 Substitutions
Chili. You can use canned chili instead of making this tamale pie with leftover chili. You will need about 2 or 3 standard-sized cans worth.
🥣 Recipe Add-Ins
If you don't have enough chili to measure up to 3 cups worth you can add in softened cooked veggies like carrots, zucchini, onions, or tomatoes. Even adding in more beans or meat would work well to help increase the content.
👩🏻🍳 Storage
This easy tamale pie with Jiffy cornbread mix is good in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days as leftovers. Just make sure to keep them well covered.
💭 FAQs
You can reheat a single serving of tamale pie on a plate in the microwave in about 2-3 minutes or for more portions you can simply reheat it in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled and placed into a 9x13 baking dish. The baking time may be extended by a few minutes, so keep an eye on it.
I like to serve our tamale pie with a simple side of green salad. For toppings, anything from salsa to sour cream, cheese, or your other basic chili toppings would work well.
More great frugal recipes to check out soon
- Hot Dog Fried Rice
- Mashed Sweet Potato Muffins
- Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
- Easy Salsa Rice
- Yogurt Banana Split
- Air Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
📖 Recipe
Cornbread Tamale Pie
Ingredients
- 3 cups Leftover Chili ($0.00)
- 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix ($0.47)
- 1 large Egg ($0.08)
- ⅓ cup Milk ($0.06)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the inside of an 8x8 baking dish.
- Spread your chili into an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix according to package instructions and then pour it over the top of the chili. Spread it out into an even layer as best as you can.
- Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out clean.
- Let cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- This recipe's baking time is based on using cold leftover chili from the fridge. If using warmed chili or room temperature chili check on the tamale pie about 10 minutes early to see if it is finished cooking a little faster than expected.
- This recipe can easily be doubled and placed into a 9x13 baking dish. The baking time may be extended by a few minutes, so keep an eye on it.
Storage
- This easy tamale pie with Jiffy cornbread mix is good in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days as leftovers, just make sure to keep them well covered.
Reheating
- You can reheat a single serving of tamale pie on a plate in the microwave in about 2-3 minutes or for more portions you can simply reheat it in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
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