Savory Beef Tamale Casserole Delight
This Savory Beef Tamale Casserole Delight is a delightful twist on traditional tamales, offering a convenient and satisfying one-dish meal. With layers of fluffy cornmeal, seasoned ground beef, and a medley of veggies, all topped with melted cheddar cheese, you will enjoy every hearty bite. This recipe not only simplifies the process of making tamales but also allows you to customize the flavors with ingredients like diced green chilies for an extra kick. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe book. Serve it up with your favorite toppings, such as salsa or jalapeños, and feel the fiesta on your plate!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cornmeal
1 cup (dry)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (added to cornmeal mixture)
water
4 cups (liquid for cornmeal mixture)
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw, crumbled)
yellow onion
1 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (spice)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (added to meat mixture)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
crushed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (in thick puree)
kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
corn kernels
2 cups (fresh, frozen, or canned (drained))
cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the yellow cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 4 cups of water. Mix well.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring frequently.
4
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
5
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, diced bell pepper (or green chilies), and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the chili powder, dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
7
Add the crushed tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, and corn kernels to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, then evenly spoon the meat mixture into the bottom of the dish.
9
Pour the cornmeal mixture over the meat layer, spreading it out gently.
10
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously on top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully.
12
Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Tamale Casserole Delight?
It is a one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and thickened cornmeal, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
How long does the beef and veggie mixture take to cook in the skillet?
Sautéing the beef, onion, pepper, and garlic takes about 5 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes of simmering after adding tomatoes and beans.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the cornmeal layer?
Combine yellow cornmeal, salt, and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and stir until the mixture thickens, which takes about 5 minutes.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
Yes, you can use diced green chilies instead if you prefer an extra kick.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
It should be baked for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly.
Why should I let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking?
Allowing the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before serving helps it set properly.
What size baking dish is recommended?
The recipe calls for a 9x13-inch baking dish coated with non-stick spray.
What are the calories and fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories and 10g of fat.
How much protein and fiber does this dish provide?
There are 15g of protein and 3.75g of fiber per serving.
What type of beef is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of lean ground beef.
Can I use a different type of bean?
The recipe uses kidney beans, but you can likely substitute them with black beans or pinto beans.
What kind of corn should I use?
You can use 2 cups of fresh, frozen, or drained canned corn kernels.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
What spices are used for seasoning the meat?
The meat is seasoned with chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is designed as a hearty comfort food meal perfect for family dinners.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, while the recipe calls for one clove, you can add more based on your preference.
Is the cornmeal layer seasoned with salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the cornmeal and water mixture.
What toppings go well with this tamale casserole?
Suggested toppings include salsa, jalapeños, or other favorite Mexican-inspired condiments.
What is the correct layering order for assembly?
Spoon the meat mixture into the bottom first, then spread the cornmeal mixture over it, and sprinkle with cheese.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient and satisfying one-dish meal.
Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
While cheddar is specified, you could use a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of chopped yellow onion.
How much water is needed for the cornmeal?
You will need 4 cups of water to cook 1 cup of yellow cornmeal.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that simplifies the process of making traditional tamales.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the meat mixture?
One 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes in thick puree is used.
Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?
The recipe specifies yellow cornmeal, but white cornmeal can be used as a substitute.
How should the meat be prepared?
The meat should be browned in a skillet along with chopped onions and bell peppers.
Is the recipe customizable?
Yes, it allows for customization with ingredients like diced green chilies for extra flavor.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, the nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.