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Keto Beef Tamale Pie

June 2, 2025

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Keto Beef Tamale Pie: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Classic with a Southwest Twist

Craving comfort food but staying committed to your keto lifestyle? Look no further than this Keto Beef Tamale Pie—a hearty, satisfying, and low-carb take on the traditional Tex-Mex favorite. It brings the best of both worlds together: bold, savory beef layered under a golden, fluffy almond flour topping that mimics classic cornbread—without the carbs.

This easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe is a one-dish wonder that’s as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for meal prep or potlucks. And the best part? It’s made from real, wholesome ingredients that won’t kick you out of ketosis.

Who This Recipe Is For

The Keto Beef Tamale Pie is designed for:

Low-carb and keto dieters who miss traditional comfort food.

Families looking for a healthy and filling dinner that pleases picky eaters.

Meal preppers who want a dish that reheats like a dream.
Busy professionals who need a satisfying one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup.
Gluten-free eaters seeking an indulgent dish without the wheat.

With minimal prep time and a cook time of just 25–30 minutes, this keto casserole is an easy win for your weekly rotation.

Ingredients Overview

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb Ground Beef – Choose 80/20 for rich flavor or leaner if preferred.

2 tsp Taco Seasoning – Use store-bought or your own low-carb blend.
½ Onion, chopped – Adds aromatic depth and sweetness.
2 tsp Minced Garlic – Because garlic makes everything better.

For the Almond Flour Topping:

1 1/3 cup Almond Flour – A keto-friendly alternative to cornmeal.
1 tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Baking Soda

4 tbsp Butter, melted
3 Large Eggs – Help bind and fluff the topping.
4 oz Diced Green Chilis – Adds a subtle heat and great flavor.

Pinch of Salt

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large Skillet or Frying Pan
Mixing Bowls (at least two)

Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer
9×9-inch Baking Dish
Spatula or Spoon

Oven

Optional:

Silicone spatula for easy spreading
Chopping board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Almond Flour Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, melted butter, and eggs until a smooth batter forms. Stir in the diced green chilis. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions are tender—about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

Stir in the taco seasoning and minced garlic, and sauté for another 2 minutes to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the almond flour batter over the top, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of fresh tomatoes if desired.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This isn’t just a keto version of tamale pie—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture:

The beef layer is deeply savory, loaded with Tex-Mex spices and garlic.

The almond flour topping is light, fluffy, and slightly buttery—closely mimicking traditional tamale or cornbread topping without any corn or grains.
Diced green chilis add just the right amount of Southwestern zing without overpowering the dish.

Tips for Best Results

Use freshly grated cheese in the batter if you want a cheesier twist.

Don’t overbake—check at the 25-minute mark to ensure the topping stays moist inside.
Drain beef thoroughly to avoid soggy layers.
Add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika for even more flavor depth in the beef.

Recipe Swaps & Variations

Turkey Tamale Pie – Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Spicy Version – Add jalapeños to the batter or top with hot sauce.
Cheesy Top Crust – Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the almond flour mixture before baking.

Vegetarian Option – Replace meat with seasoned mushrooms and black soybeans for a plant-based variation.
Dairy-Free – Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter, and omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

This Keto Beef Tamale Pie is just as tasty the next day—and maybe even better!

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Let the casserole cool completely, then slice into portions and freeze individually in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 60–90 seconds, covered.

What to Serve With Keto Tamale Pie

Round out your meal with these keto-friendly pairings:

Sides:

Cauliflower Rice – Soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Avocado Slices or Guacamole – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.

Sautéed Zucchini or Bell Peppers – For a veggie boost.

Drinks:

Sparkling Water with Lime
Low-Carb Margaritas

Unsweetened Iced Tea

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

Coconut flour is much more absorbent, so it won’t work as a 1:1 swap. If using coconut flour, start with 1/3 the amount and add an extra egg—but results may vary.

Is this recipe spicy?

The diced green chilis are mild, but you can increase heat with hot sauce, cayenne, or jalapeños if you love spice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5–10 extra minutes of cook time if cold from the fridge.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish, double all ingredients, and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Keto Beef Tamale Pie

Comfort food should never feel like a compromise—and with this Keto Beef Tamale Pie, it doesn’t have to. From the tender, flavorful beef base to the golden, cheesy topping, every bite is satisfying, hearty, and completely keto-compliant.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself to something cozy and wholesome, this recipe fits the bill without the carb crash.