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Carnitas Tamale Pie Recipe

Carnitas Tamale Pie Recipe
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This Carnitas Tamale Pie is a rich, comforting, and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded pork slow-cooked with spices and tomatoes, topped with a creamy cheddar cornbread crust. Perfect for family dinners and weeknights, it combines simple preparation with satisfying, hearty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carnitas Filling

  • 2 to 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cornbread Topping

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carnitas: Season the pork shoulder generously with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place in a slow cooker or heavy pot with diced onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours (or until the pork is pull-apart tender) to infuse with spices.
  2. Shred and Mix the Filling: Remove the cooked pork and shred with two forks. Return shredded meat to the pot, stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies, and simmer until flavors meld and mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Make the Cornbread Topping: In a bowl, combine yellow cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry until smooth, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Assemble the Pie: Grease a baking dish and spread the carnitas filling evenly inside. Pour cornbread batter over the top and smooth with a spatula to cover the filling completely.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is puffed and golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use leftover carnitas to save time and create a new meal.
  • Do not overmix the cornbread batter; stir gently for a light, fluffy topping.
  • Adjust chili powder and green chilies according to preferred spice level.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream on serving for extra creaminess.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread topping; it should come out mostly clean.

Nutrition

Keywords: carnitas, tamale pie, Mexican dinner, cornbread topping, comfort food, pork shoulder, slow-cooked pork

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/carnitas-tamale-pie-recipe/