Spicy Corn & Beef Tamale Bake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Mexico with this Spicy Corn & Beef Tamale Bake. This hearty casserole combines juicy ground beef, zesty jalapeños, and a medley of colorful vegetables, topped with a golden cornbread crust that has a hint of spice. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it with your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado for an extra layer of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen whole kernel corn
10 ounces (thawed)
Tomato paste
3 tablespoons
Chopped tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
Jalapeno peppers
3 (chopped (optional))
Green pepper
1 cup (chopped)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Lean ground beef
1 1/4 lbs
Lite olive oil
2 tablespoons
Sliced green olives
1 cup
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Allspice
1/2 teaspoon
Chili powder
2 teaspoons
Hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon
Yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour
1 cup
Yellow cornmeal
1 cup
Sugar
3 tablespoons
Baking powder
2 teaspoons
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
2% low-fat milk
3/4 cup
Large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and green pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the ground beef, cooking until it is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
4
Drain excess juice from the canned tomatoes, if necessary, then add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, green olives, ground cumin, salt, allspice, chili powder, hot pepper sauce, and cornmeal into the skillet. Mix well.
5
Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
While the mixture is simmering, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
7
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 2.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
To prepare the tamale topping, in a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder.
9
Add the melted butter, milk, and beaten egg, stirring gently until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in the finely chopped jalapeño and grated cheese.
10
Spoon the tamale topping in large dollops evenly around the edges of the casserole, leaving the center open to allow steam to escape.
11
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is cooked through and lightly golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Corn & Beef Tamale Bake?
It is a hearty Mexican-inspired casserole featuring ground beef, jalapeños, and vegetables topped with a golden, slightly spicy cornbread crust.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of lean ground beef.
How long should the beef and vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
What is the oven temperature for baking the casserole?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking.
What vegetables are used in the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, green pepper, frozen whole kernel corn, and canned chopped tomatoes.
Is the Spicy Corn & Beef Tamale Bake very hot?
It has a kick due to jalapeños, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce, but the heat level can be adjusted to your personal preference.
What size casserole dish do I need?
A 2.5-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How is the tamale topping applied to the dish?
Spoon the topping in large dollops evenly around the edges of the casserole, leaving the center open for steam to escape.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cornbread is cooked through and golden brown.
What ingredients make up the cornbread topping?
The topping consists of all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, melted butter, milk, a beaten egg, jalapeño, and cheddar cheese.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the topping?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
Should the frozen corn be thawed before use?
Yes, 10 ounces of frozen whole kernel corn should be thawed before being added to the mixture.
What spices provide the Mexican flavor profile?
The flavor is built using ground cumin, chili powder, allspice, and hot pepper sauce.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
You should drain the excess juice from the canned tomatoes if necessary before adding them to the skillet.
What are recommended toppings for serving?
Serving it with sour cream or avocado adds an extra layer of delicious flavor.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cornbread topping is cooked through and has turned a light golden brown.
Is this a difficult recipe to clean up?
No, it is described as a one-pot wonder, which helps make cleanup a breeze.
What type of cheese is used in the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I omit the jalapeños?
Yes, the jalapeños are optional in the filling and can be adjusted in the topping to suit your heat tolerance.
What kind of oil should be used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of lite olive oil.
Why is the center of the casserole left open?
Leaving the center open allows steam to escape from the beef mixture during the baking process.
What type of olives are included in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced green olives.
Is there sugar in the cornbread crust?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of sugar are added to the topping to provide a sweet contrast to the spice.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3/4 cup of 2% low-fat milk.
How should the egg be prepared for the topping?
One large egg should be lightly beaten before being stirred into the topping mixture.
What is the texture of the filling after simmering?
By adding 1 tablespoon of yellow cornmeal to the simmering skillet, the filling becomes thick and well-bound.
How many jalapeños are needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 chopped jalapeños for the filling and 1 finely chopped jalapeño for the topping.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is this dish suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and comfort food, making it perfect for gatherings.