One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie.
Hey, hi! Happy Thanksgiving week!
And Happy 19th Birthday to my brother, who is closest in age to me, Kai (Malachi)!!
I can already tell it’s going to be a pretty awesome week. For one, it’s a super short week, so we have that going for us (hello four-day weekend!). Two, Thursday we get to eat till we just can’t eat anymore (bring on all the butternut squash, pomegranate salad and um pies!) and then Friday is the official start to the Christmas season.
I mean, over here we have officially been going hard-core Christmas since Saturday when we cut down the Christmas tree. But that’s just us, or the girls of the family anyway. I mean, it’s been like a winter wonderland here so it’s pretty hard NOT to get in the spirit. All the boys are disgusted in us, if it where up to them they’d put the tree up on Christmas Eve. They are all a bunch of Scrooges if you ask me.
But whatever, this week is still all about Thanksgiving… ok, maybe a little Christmas talk, but then back to Thanksgiving!!
Some years, our house is full of people for Thanksgiving and some years it is super small. Of course the year I do not even have a working oven, our table is pretty full. Not huge or anything, but still full. All of my siblings will be here so that’s nine of us, plus Blake who should probably just change his last name to Gerard by now and then three guests. There could definitely be more added on, but as of right now this is the head count.
Guaranteed there will be a handful of last-minute people who show up needing a good meal though. It happens every year. Especially since we eat dinner pretty late in the day. Like 7:30pm or 8:00pm. This gives people time to finds us, get comfy and stay a while. Mom and I always shoot for seven, but then gravy happens and well we honestly both suck at gravy so we never end up eating till like eight. But it’s ok because we kind of like late meals over here.
Also, it’s gonna be a crockpot Thanksgiving….should be interesting.
I wasn’t really sure I’d have a ton of turkey leftovers this year because I honestly never do, so I made some turkey breast the other week for the sole purpose of making this tamale pie. I have been thinking about it ever since October 31st. Waiting till Thanksgiving for this was not an option.
When cheesy polenta is involved you know it’s going to be good. Just sayin.
This pie could not be more perfect for the day after Thanksgiving dinner. It feeds all those lingering guests and it’s so easy to make. Plus, it’s saucy, creamy, cheesy and delicious. Perfect cozy, family comfort food.
It’s like a tamale, but better if you ask me, because well, you don’t have to do all the work of real tamales. FYI – if you’ve never made tamales before – they are work. I tried a few Christmases ago to make them for twenty plus people and I have regretted it ever since. So I now make tamale burrito bowls and tamale pies to get my tamale fix. It’s brilliant. <–Been watching too many Jamie Oliver you tube videos apparently.
I made this two ways, one family style and one, in cute little individual skillets. The mini skillets make such a fun presentation, but for some reason they didn’t seem to be as saucy as the big family style pie. Either way is good, but if you are only serving four, the skillets are always a crowd pleaser.
If you’re not cooking a turkey this year or you just don’t have any turkey leftovers, use chicken. Don’t let a lack of leftovers stop you from making this. This One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie is too good, and way too easy. You just need one-pot, one mixing bowl and an oven. Oh what I would do for an oven! Did I mention that if one of you guys somehow manages to get me an oven (by Thanksgiving) I will send you cookies in the mail for like a year? I really will.
And with that I am done. I need to go buy some crockpots or mini ovens or something to cook all my sides in. The turkey’s getting cooked in this thing. OMG. Someone send help (or ovens!).
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: turkey
This pie could not be more perfect for the day after Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
Polenta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese shredded plus 4 ounces more for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper
- 2-4 tablespoons butter
Turkey Mixture
- 2 cup leftover turkey shredded
- 1 cup leftover gravy or 1/2 cup extra enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt + pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans rinsed + drained if using canned
To Serve
- diced avocado
- pomegranate salsa * or any salsa
- 4 ounces crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- fresh cilantro chopped
- in crushed tortilla chips (I forgot to add these the photos but you should do this!)
Instructions
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Make the polenta. Pour the chicken broth and milk into a mediumpot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is soft and thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep warm and then just before serving, stir in the cheddar cheese and butter, season with salt and pepper. If the polenta seems a little thick you can add a tablespoon of butter or extra milk.
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Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Combine the turkey, gravy, red enchilada sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne in large bowl. Stir in the red pepper and black beans. Once the polenta is done cooking, smooth it out into a single layer and then pour the turkey tamale mixture over he polenta, spreading it in an even layer. Top with cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pie is bubbling and the cheese is melted. Allow to sit 5 to 10 minutes and then serve with fresh cilantro, salsa and queso fresco. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*To make a quick pomegranate salsa, combine 1 1/2 cups pomegranate arils with 1 small seeded + diced jalapeno, juice of 1 lime and 1/4 cup cilantro.
Ok, now let’s grab some forks already!
When I was a kid I thought getting a jar of tamales was a real treat. But this pie would be so good now. This past summer I got a jar of tamales just not the same any more.
Thanks Nancy!
OMG! This looks delicious, Tieghan! I’m sorry that all of your brothers are scrooges but glad that you girls aren’t letting that stop you. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the holidays.
I hope you get a new oven soon (hopefully by thursday). I don’t know what I’d do if mine broke because you can’t even buy crockpots where I live.
Thanks Tori! 🙂
PS, where do you live if you do not mind me asking?!?!
Tieghan, this looks like the best thing to make with leftovers. If we don’t have leftover turkey, I’m making it with chicken for sure!
Thanks so much, Bri!! chicken will be awesome!
GAH! I want to come to your house for Thanksgiving! I am making my first turkey….so that should be interesting!
AND since I am making a WHOLE turkey for 2 people…you betta believe the leftovers are being this cheesy goodness! Pinned!
Thank Taylor!! A thanksgiving for two sounds fun!
This just might be the best use of Thanksgiving leftovers I’ve ever seen. All that saucy, cheesy goodness? Yessssssssss.
THANK YOU! Happy Turkey week!
What a great dish for the day after Thanksgiving! Love the addition of pomegranate salsa.
Thanks Suzy!!
OMG! I totally made a tamale pie yesterday. Aren’t they the best? Your version looks amazing!
The best!! ha! Thanks Lauren! 🙂
Have you ever considered grilling your turkey? I live in Iowa and the first time my husband made a grilled turkey it was 0 degrees outside. Not only does it take the mess out of the kitchen, but it takes less time (it was less than 3 hours for a 12 pound turkey). Best turkey I’ve ever had. The only thing is you don’t get drippings for the gravy, but he made some homemade stock (yep, he’s that kind of guy) so we’re good. He’s doing this for me so that I can use all my ovens (sorry I have two) for Thanksgiving. Great recipe on America’s Test Kitchen’s website! Good luck!
That is a great idea!! I think I am frying it this year, but I so want to try grilling a turkey, yum!
Im all about one-pot meals. I love this, for ease of cooking and this recipe – delicious!
Thank you!
Happy bday to your lil broski!! This pie is driving me bonkerdoodles…Like I’d rather eat this tamale pie than a pumpkin pie and i LURVE pumpkin pie, so that’s saying a lot, no joke. Beautiful as always, sister! Happy Thanksgiving week to ya!
Thanks Julia! Happy Turkey week!
Holy smokes Tieghan, this looks so amazing. Where do I start? The crispy browned cheesy edges or the cotija crumbled with avocado, or the spicy turkey inside? Man this is a winner.
THANK YOU!!
What a beautiful presentation! I like all these little pots and the contents look delicious! 🙂
Thank you so much!! 🙂
I would totally cook another turkey just to have leftovers for this tamale dish! Yum! I’d probably get more excited about this than the regular turkey, ha!
Hah! Thank you so much! Happy turkey week, Laura!
I am ALL for this delicious looking pie, especially because it uses leftovers. Yum, yum YUM!
Thanks so much! Hope you had a great day!
Tieghan this looks delicious and those small skillets packed on top of each other – just stunning!!
THANK YOU!
Tamale? Pie? I think I just unlocked a secret code to Thanksgiving leftovers. Definitely a brilliant idea!
Haha! Thank you so much, Lina!
Polenta is pretty much my favorite thing ever! Cannot WAIT to give this a try…I might be more excited for these leftovers than the actual Thanksgiving dinner!
Thank you!
I absolutely love this, and i’m kind of obsessed with the individual servings in those cute skillets!
Thanks Laura! Happy Thanksgiving week!
I’m always ready for something spicy and really different from traditional Thanksgiving flavors. This is perfect! You keep me inspired, Tieghan.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks so much, Marissa!!
엄청 먹음직스럽게생겼네요!! 멋져요ㅎㅎㅎ
인스타그램도 항상 잘보고있습니다
It’s almost ten o’clock at night and you’ve got me wanting to go and make this now! It looks so yummy! Also, I really like the pomegranate garnish!
Haha! Thank you so much! Hope you had a great, Monday!
How adorable are your individual cast iron pans! Seriously on the hunt for them now after seeing this!
Haha! Thanks so much, Christina!! I bought those on Amazon.
Looks amazing! Plus, I love one pot meals!
I’m a little jealous you already have your Christmas tree! We usually get our tree the day after Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much!! We normally get the tree on Thanksgiving or that weekend, but Thanksgiving was just too late this year!
I’m obsessed with all your skillets of every size… so jealous! This sounds amazing (mostly because anything involving the words “cheese” and “tamale” has to be amazing).
Haha! Thank you so much, Alexandra!! Hope you had a great day and happy Thanksgiving week!
Oh my goodness, this looks sooo yummy! Love those tiny skillets you have! Have a great Thanksgiving!
Goodness gracious, I NEED to make this! Happy Thanksgiving to you, Tieghan!
Thank you so much, Brenda! Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 🙂
This looks so good that we are having it for dinner tonight. Using shredded chicken instead. What is the oven temperature we need to bake it for??????
Oops, sorry! The temp should be 375 degrees F. hope you love this!
Turned out great. My boys gobbled it up. Thank you for all the hard work you do putting these recipes together for us. My clients love them also!
Do you deliver?! I’m ready with my fork to dive right in to this gorgeousness!!
So…. never cooking with polenta before and not knowing what it is. I bought a LOG of polenta which is all of my store had. Well guess what? That didn’t work out very well. I totally screwed up the entire recipe. I finally googled raw polenta and now I know the difference. Polenta is not a huge ingredient in this area. I was wondering how the solid log was going to dissolve in the milk and broth so I kept adding more of the log. What a disaster. I don’t even know if I can find “raw” polenta in my area.
Hey Janet! If you can’t find dry polenta, just slice the log into rounds and place it on top of the turkey mixture OR add the log to warm milk and use a whisk to break the log up into the milk. After five or so minutes the log will dissolve into the milk and become creamy. Hope that helps and let me know if you have any questions.
Tieghan!
This looks so yummy and good use of left over turkey! Love, love love the mini cast iron skillets!
Thanks so much, Amanda!
What other variations to The One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie are there. For example; could I replace beef for the turkey. It looks and sounds delicious.
Hey Gabriel!
beef would work great. You could also use pulled pork or short ribs. Hope you love this!
Fantastic recipe!!!!!!! I used chicken since I did a rotisserie last night and had a ton of left overs. Social media was a downer for me this time since somehow word got around of the food I cooked and people just kept dropping in inquiring about the wonderful smell coming from the stove.
Haha! So happy this was a hit! THANKS!
I’m not super experienced with polenta. I have seen the tube like things of polenta though. Can that be sliced and used instead of cooking it? What is the difference?
Yes, sliced polenta will be fine, but it will not be creamy like you see in the photos…still delicious though. Homemade polenta is creamy like grits. Let me know if you have any other questions! Hope you love this!
you may want to consider less milk or chicken broth. i did this recipe, added 1/2 cup extra polenta, and it was still soupy. tasted amazing. had to use nachos to spoon out.
I made this tonight turned out super good, I used trader joes enchilada sauce and also added corn and black olives, just because we love them, it turned out really good.
Just made this for dinner, with leftover turkey. Incredible recipe! Thank you! Saucy, creamy, spicy. Just awesome!
so happy you loved this! Thanks!!
I’m sorry if you already stated this somewhere, but would a 10 inch cast iron skillet work well for this? Or what size do you recommend? Thanks!
Hey Amanda! A 10 or 12 inch skillet will both work great. Hope you love this and let me know if you have other questions. Thanks!
As someone who has never used polenta before this recipe confused me. I ended up buying the little sausage like shaped package of polenta. I had no idea how thick this should have gotten but after cooking 20 min it was thickened to the consistency of cream of wheat. After this baked it looks watery. I’m hoping it tastes good. I have a feeling something is off. Also it says one red pepper. Is this a bell pepper? Because that’s what I had to assume. I’m sorry if these things should be common knowledge to people but perhaps a little more detail world have helped. Can you give me an idea…for the future…how thick is the polenta mixture supposed to be?
Hey Linda! I am so sorry for the confusion. When I say polenta, I actually mean dry polenta. You cook it like you would rice. once it it finished cooking it should be the consistency of thick mashed potatoes. I am sure what you have is fine though and it should still taste good. And yes, I do mean a bell pepper. Again, so sorry for the confession. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you end loving this!
Where does the cayenne go????
Also the instructions are not well written and hard to follow.
The cayenne goes in with the other spices, the recipe has been fixed. What is hard to follow? Let me know how I can help.
Going to have to try this one. Looks delish! Your recipes never disappoint. ☺
Thank you!! Hope you love it!!
Thanks for answering so fast! So it didn’t turn out as I think it was supposed to…given that the polenta sort of just melded into the meat mixture? I will try again in the future with the right polenta so it’s a thick mixture. Just so I know…when it’s finished is it supposed to be the consistency of masa in a tamale? cake or bread like?
Hey Linda! So when finished, it should be more like masa in a tamale. Hope it goes better the second time! Let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you!
I would like to say that I made this recipe today and the Polenta (corn meal mush) was the star of the show. The dry seasonings in the above quantities are a bit much for my taste and leave a bitter finish to an other wise tasty sauce. I would suggest using only 1/2 of the amount for each seasoning listed and then add to your desired taste. I made the Polenta using Quaker corn meal. A 15 oz can of chicken broth,
2 cups milk and 8 oz frozen corn to 1 cup of cornmeal and 2 tsp salt plus 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic. Add all ingredients to gether cold in your 3qt pot and whisk gently until combined. Takes about 30 seconds. Turn on burner to high heat and continually whisk until thicken and combined about 5 min. This will ensure no lumps and will make creamy as well. Reduce heat to low and cover. Stir every 10 minutes while cooking an additional 20 min. In the final 10 min stir in 1/2 stick butter until melted and add 1/2 cup ( 4 oz) of your preferred cheese. At the end of 10 min stir to combine and serve. Keep pot covered and remove lid to stir only.
I promise they are amazing!!!! (You can substitute 1 ear of fresh cut corn or 1/2 can of cream corn for the frozen) Enjoy!
Glad you enjoyed the dish Jason! Thanks!
This was a very easy meal to put together and extremely tasty!!! We were trying to think of something different to do with our leftover turkey. Five stars from me!!!
That is so great! Thank you Mike!
I made this last night for dinner and it was a hit! My husband wants to put the leftovers over french fries to make chili cheese fries. A big thank you from our family for the awesome new recipe for leftover turkey!
I am so glad you all loved this! Thank you Michelle!
How many does this recipe serve?
About 6. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
This looks so delicious! No turkey leftovers but I am going to use chicken.
Haven’t had tamale pie in decades, but I remember it growing up. This recipe
makes me want to make it. I remember the
tamale part being on top instead of at the bottom. Would it make a difference if you
put the polenta on top of the turkey mixture and cheese?
Mary
Hi! It doesn’t really make a difference, so please do whatever you wish! Either way it will be great! 🙂 Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Happy Holiday’s 🙂
I made this with our Thanksgiving leftovers. I ended up dumping leftover creamed corn in too! Everyone LOVED it! Even my vegetarian brother-in-law. Let’s just say there was no leftover turkey tamale pie! This was so popular everyone wanted me to make it for pi day! No corn this time but still super delicious!
I am really glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe Kathy! Thank you so much!
Just made this and split it into 2 foil pans. If I were to freeze one, would I cook it first or freeze after layering?
Ps-I cooked one and it is yummy!
HI! I would freeze uncooked. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Gave this recipe a try tonight. It was a hit! Thank you for sharing.
So happy you liked it thank you Jeanine!
Making this now with leftover smoked turkey. Looks tasty! A big green egg would solve all your problems. You can grill, smoke and even bake in it. Yep, know from experience, my sons birthday cake ?.I’m also making the cranberry thyme cocktails as well. I am really digging big batch cocktails right now- keep them coming!
I am so glad you like this! I hope it turns out amazing for you Alexis!
Try
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This was delicious!! ❤️❤️❤️ Will definitely make again.
Thank you Kara!
This was very good. We made a few changes based on personal preferences, but really appreciate the inspiration for a meal that was requested by my husband, “to be in regular rotation.” Which is good, because we have about 17 pounds of turkey leftover. Blessings, Mattie
That is so amazing! I hope you both continue to love this recipe, Mattie! Thank you!
The first time I made this I knew I would not be able to wait until next thanksgiving to have it again. Tonight I sauteed onions and red peppers and used strips of tenderized cube steak. Subbed beef broth in the polenta and made gravy from a mix. . This recipe is very versatile! Next I want to try with shredded pork and Chile verde sauce. Thank you for sharing!
Ooo yum! I am so glad you loved this recipe, Keli! Thank you so much!
Can u freeze?
HI! Yes, this works well as a freezer meal. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
Thank you for this recipe, we can’t use tomato, so I looked up a tomato free enchilada sauce and the recipe came out really great.
We have to cook gluten free, dairy free, egg free, tomato free so it was a treat to find this yummy recipe and make a couple of changes to it. Yes it works with unflavored coconut milk and it is still good without the cheese.
Thank you Ute! xTieghan
Does anyone know if instant polenta will work? Thanks!
Hey Angela! I think instant polenta should work just fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
This was so good. I used my left over turkey and gravy and in no way did it taste like Thanksgiving leftovers. Adding the chips was a perfect contrast to the creamy polenta.
Thank you so much for trying this Heather! I am so glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I’ve never used polenta before, but I had corn meal that substituted. The flavors were delicious, but was the cornmeal mush supposed to cook into a crust, or does it stay really gooey?
Hi!
So sorry but since you did not use polenta I really don’t know what the texture of the cornmeal would be. Please let me know how else I can help! xTieghan
Is the Polenta you used dry or fully cooked? I could only find fully cooked in a tube. Not sure how to proceed with the recipe. You advice would be much appreciated!
Hey Mary,
The polenta I used was dry, so sorry I do not have experience using the kind in the tube. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
hi : ) is the polenta supposed to be somewhat firm? mine was very runny. delicious flavor though!
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks for trying the recipe, it shouldn’t be firm, but not runny. Did you adjust the recipe at all? Let me know how I can help! xTieghan
I purchased already cooked polenta at the store. Can I use this for the polenta in this recipe or do I need to find a polenta recipe and make it. This looks really great and I am anxious to make it.
Hey Kay,
I have never used precooked polenta, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work here. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
SO GOOD!! Better than Round #1 (traditional Thanksgiving meal) and Round #2 (delicious left-over turkey chili w mashed potatoes). THANK YOU :)))
Thank you so much Liz! xTieghan
The recipe and picture looked so yummy I had to try this. I think if you followed the measurements, you would find this recipe won’t set up because there is WAY TOO MUCH liquid in it. Would love to see the receipt re-worked and try it again. Tonight my tamale soup is down the drain.
Hey Michelle,
So sorry you had issues with the recipe, please let me know if I can help in anyway! xTieghan