Slow Cooker Tamale Pie (WW-Friendly)

I’ve never made tamales from scratch, and honestly, it’s a project. Between cooking the filling, preparing the masa, and assembling everything, it’s a lot of steps for one meal.

This slow cooker tamale pie takes the flavors of traditional tamales and turns them into a much simpler, lighter casserole. Everything mixes together easily and cooks right in the crock pot, making it a good option for busy days when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s not a traditional tamale, but it delivers those familiar flavors in an easy, everyday way.

If you enjoy easy tamale-style casseroles like this one, you may also like my Bisquick Easy Impossible Chicken Tamale Pie, another simple, lighter take on classic tamale flavors.

Why I Love This Easy Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

• It has the flavors of tamales without all the work.
• Everything cooks together in the slow cooker.
• The ingredient list is short and made up of pantry staples.
• It’s filling and satisfying without being heavy.
• Leftovers are easy to repurpose into other meals.

This is the kind of recipe that earns a regular spot in a weeknight rotation.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Cornmeal – Fine or medium-grind cornmeal works best here. Avoid coarse or stone-ground cornmeal, which can stay gritty. Masa harina is not the same as cornmeal and won’t give the same result in this recipe.
• Milk – Fat-free milk keeps the recipe lighter. Unsweetened almond milk or another plain, unsweetened dairy-free milk also works.
• Egg – Helps bind the casserole and give it structure.
• Lean ground beef – Keeps the dish filling without being heavy. Lean ground turkey works just as well.
• Dry chili seasoning mix – Reduced-sodium mixes work well. You can also use a homemade chili seasoning if you prefer.
• Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies – Use mild, original, or hot depending on your taste. Fire-roasted varieties add a little extra flavor.
• Corn – Canned corn (drained) or frozen corn both work. If using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it first.
• Reduced-fat shredded Mexican-style cheese – Used for topping. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend you like also works.
• Optional Garnishes – Chopped cilantro, light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives.

How Many Calories and WW Points in this Easy Crock Pot Tamale Pie?

According to my calculations, each serving has 244 calories.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
6 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Tamale Pie Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk and egg.

Step 3: Stir in the prepared meat, chili seasoning, tomatoes and corn until thoroughly mixed. Pour mixture into crock pot.

Step 4: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour. Set slow cooker on LOW and continue to cook for 3 hours. Alternatively you can pour the mixture into a greased baking dish bake in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. 

Step 5: Remove lid and wipe and wipe off any condensation, then sprinkle cheese over tamale pie. Place cover on cooker and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped cilantro, or additional toppings (if desired).

Recipe Notes

• Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies come in a wide range of heat levels. Choose what works best for you.
• Wiping condensation from the lid before adding cheese helps prevent excess moisture.
• This recipe doubles easily if you’re cooking for a crowd or want extra leftovers.

Ways to Use Leftovers

• Stir into chicken broth with salsa to make a quick tamale-style soup.
• Use as a filling for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

If you’ve made this Crock Pot Tamale Pie, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Diabetic Cookbook (affiliate link) by Phyllis Pellman Good

More Southwestern WW-Friendly Recipes

• If you’re in the mood for something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, you’ll love my Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole. It’s a perfect one-dish meal that’s rich with bold enchilada flavors and a family favorite for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
• Looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Taco Cauliflower Rice is a game-changer! It’s light, packed with bold taco spices, and ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or a simple lunch. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just want to sneak more veggies into your meals, this dish is satisfying and versatile.
• This Southwest Taco Skillet (Freezer Meal) is a flavorful, freezer-friendly meal perfect for busy nights! It’s packed with hearty ingredients and bold spices—just heat, serve, and enjoy.
• These Slow Cooker Chicken and Pinto Bean Tostadas are an easy, hands-off way to enjoy bold, Mexican-inspired flavors. Simply pile the tender chicken and beans onto crispy tostadas for a delicious, fuss-free meal.
• Check out my WW Friendly Meal Plan, featuring the star of the week: this easy, delicious Slow Cooker Tamale Pie! It’s a simple, comforting dish with all the bold flavors of traditional tamales—made with minimal effort and perfect for busy weeknights.