Hearty Tex-Mex Tamale Casserole
Indulge in the savory flavors of this Hearty Tex-Mex Tamale Casserole, a family favorite that's sure to satisfy your taste buds! This comforting dish features a seasoned beef filling loaded with vegetables, beans, and cheese, topped with a rich cornmeal crust that mimics authentic tamale dough. Customize it to your liking with optional ingredients like green chiles, tomatoes, or even peppers for an extra kick. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this delightful casserole is best served with salsa and a dollop of sour cream. The recipe is inspired by a versatile classic from the 1976 Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, allowing you to create your unique version time and time again.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/4 lbs (ground)
chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
chopped green pepper
1 cup (fresh)
tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (canned)
corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup (optional)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
chili powder
2-3 teaspoons (to taste)
pepper
1 dash (to taste)
black beans or refried beans
1 (15 ounce) can (canned)
grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup (dry)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cold water
2 cups (liquid)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (melted)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef along with diced onion and green pepper until the meat is browned and cooked through, draining off any excess fat.
2
Stir in the can of tomato sauce, drained corn, sliced olives (if using), minced garlic, sugar, salt, chili powder, pepper, and black beans or refried beans. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted.
3
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the yellow cornmeal with salt and cold water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove from heat and stir in butter or margarine until melted and well blended.
4
Transfer the beef filling evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon the cornmeal mixture over the top of the beef filling, spreading it out evenly.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cornmeal topping is set and the beef filling beneath is bubbly. Enjoy the dish hot, garnished with your choice of salsa and sour cream.
6
Note: You can easily prepare and freeze family-sized portions of the beef filling in Ziploc freezer bags. To serve later, simply thaw the filling, transfer it into a prepared baking dish, and make a smaller batch of cornmeal topping using half the original cornmeal and water measurements. Bake to perfection and relish the flavors once again!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tex-Mex Tamale Casserole?
It is a comforting dish featuring a seasoned beef filling with vegetables, beans, and cheese, topped with a rich cornmeal crust that mimics tamale dough.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of lean ground beef.
Which vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and canned corn.
What type of beans can I use?
You can use either a 15-ounce can of black beans or refried beans.
How is the tamale-style topping made?
It is made by cooking yellow cornmeal with salt and cold water until thickened, then stirring in butter or margarine.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the topping is set and the filling is bubbly.
Can I add extra spice to the recipe?
Yes, you can add extra kick by including green chiles or peppers in the filling.
Is there a specific cheese recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the beef and vegetables?
Cook the ground beef, onion, and green pepper in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned, then drain the fat.
What liquid is used for the base of the filling?
A 16-ounce can of tomato sauce is used to create the base.
What seasonings are used in the beef mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with minced garlic, sugar, salt, chili powder, and pepper.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Are olives required for this recipe?
No, sliced ripe olives are listed as an optional ingredient.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the beef filling in Ziploc bags to be used later.
How do I prepare the casserole from frozen filling?
Thaw the filling, transfer to a baking dish, and prepare a fresh batch of the cornmeal topping.
What garnishes go well with this dish?
It is best served with salsa and a dollop of sour cream.
How much cornmeal is needed for the crust?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of yellow cornmeal.
Should I use hot or cold water for the cornmeal topping?
Start with 2 cups of cold water when combining with the cornmeal.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in the filling.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe is inspired by a classic from the 1976 Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.
Is the cornmeal topping cooked before baking?
Yes, the cornmeal, water, and salt are cooked on the stove for 2-3 minutes until thickened before being added to the casserole.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, either 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine can be used in the cornmeal mixture.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 15-ounce can of drained corn.
Can I halve the topping if I'm using frozen portions?
Yes, if you are making a smaller portion, you can halve the original cornmeal and water measurements.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove.
Is the baking dish greased?
Yes, the 9x13-inch baking dish should be lightly greased with non-stick cooking spray.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe suggests 2-3 teaspoons of chili powder, depending on your taste.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.