Low Carb Tamale Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food Without the Carbs

Have you ever craved the warm, comforting flavors of a traditional tamale but wanted to skip the carbs? This Low Carb Tamale Pie is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying yet healthy. The aromatic blend of spices fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent while the gooey cheese topping creates that perfect Instagram-worthy cheese pull. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking to cut back on carbs, this Low Carb Tamale Pie delivers all the authentic Mexican flavors you love without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Tamale Pie

• ✅ This gluten free low carb tamale pie fits perfectly into keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets
• ✅ Ready in just 45 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight dinners when cravings hit
• ✅ This spicy low carb tamale pie ingredients list is simple and accessible at most grocery stores
• ✅ Fantastic for low carb tamale pie for meal prep – stays delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
• ✅ The low carb tamale pie with cheese topping creates a golden, bubbly crust that’s utterly irresistible
• ✅ Can easily swap chicken for low carb tamale pie with ground turkey for a different protein option

Print

Ingredients for Low Carb Tamale Pie

For the Corn Bread-Style Topping:

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 4 ounces diced green chiles
• ½!– /wp:list-item –>
• 2 tablespoons 1:1 sugar substitute (such as erythritol or monk fruit)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup enchilada sauce (see note for homemade option)
• 2 cups shredded chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

For Serving:

• Fresh cilantro
• Hot sauce
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Avocado slices

Note: For a homemade enchilada sauce, blend 1 cup tomato sauce with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and salt to taste.

How to Make Low Carb Tamale Pie – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it now. If you need to cook chicken, season with salt and pepper, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, then shred.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated. For an easy low carb tamale casserole variation, you can add ¼ cup of diced bell peppers and ¼ cup of black olives at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, heavy cream, and eggs until well combined. Add the diced green chiles and stir. In another bowl, mix the coconut flour, sugar substitute, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the chicken layer. Pour the batter evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese for that perfect low carb tamale pie with cheese topping finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread layer comes out clean. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned on top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the Low Carb Tamale Pie to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Low Carb Tamale Pie

• Make ahead tip: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, make the batter fresh and bake as directed.
• Spice it up: For those who love heat, add 1 diced jalapeño to the batter or filling, creating a more spicy low carb tamale pie ingredients profile.
• Protein variations: This keto friendly tamale pie recipe works well with ground beef, turkey, or even chorizo as alternatives to chicken.
• For a crispier top: Place under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
• Budget-friendly option: Use rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store to save time and money.
• Cauliflower crust variation: For a true low carb tamale pie with cauliflower crust, replace the coconut flour with 1 cup of finely riced cauliflower that has been steamed and squeezed dry, plus 2 tablespoons of almond flour.

Best Ways to Serve Low Carb Tamale Pie

This versatile Low Carb Tamale Pie works wonderfully as both a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Pair with a crisp side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a complete meal
• Serve alongside cilantro-lime cauliflower rice for a fully keto friendly tamale pie recipe dinner
• For entertaining, create a toppings bar with diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, and various hot sauces
• Complete the meal with a refreshing cucumber-lime water or unsweetened iced tea

Nutritional Information for Low Carb Tamale Pie

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 325 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 25g
• Net Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Total Carbs: 8g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 615mg

This healthy low carb tamale pie options nutritional profile makes it perfect for those following keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets!

Storage & Leftovers

This Low Carb Tamale Pie is excellent for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave on 70% power for quicker reheating.
• Meal prep tip: Cut into individual portions and store in airtight containers for quick low carb tamale pie ideas throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Carb Tamale Pie

What is Low Carb Tamale Pie made of?

Low Carb Tamale Pie consists of a savory meat filling typically made with seasoned chicken or ground meat, topped with a low-carb cornbread-style batter using coconut flour instead of traditional cornmeal. The dish captures the flavors of traditional tamales without the high carb count.

How many carbs are in a Low Carb Tamale Pie?

This Low Carb Tamale Pie contains approximately 5g net carbs per serving, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. The coconut flour and sugar substitute significantly reduce the carbohydrate content compared to traditional tamale pies.

Can you freeze Low Carb Tamale Pie?

Yes! Low Carb Tamale Pie freezes beautifully. For best results, allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with Low Carb Tamale Pie?

Complement your Low Carb Tamale Pie with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice, a Mexican-inspired salad, sliced avocados, or simple roasted vegetables. For those not following strict keto, a side of black beans makes an excellent addition.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Tamale Pie brings all the comfort and satisfaction of traditional Mexican cuisine without the carb overload. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this versatile dish proves that low-carb eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of the savory, spiced filling with the tender, cornbread-like topping creates a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Have you tried making this Low Carb Tamale Pie? What variations or toppings did you add? Share your experience in the comments below and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal planning session!