Zesty TiaJuana Tamales
These Zesty TiaJuana Tamales are a delightful twist on classic tamales, featuring a hearty filling of savory ground beef mixed with vibrant spices, sweet corn, and tangy olives. Perfect as a cold appetizer served on crackers or melba toast, these mini tamale delights can be made in advance and frozen for easy entertaining or a delicious snack. Each bite bursts with flavor, making them an instant hit at gatherings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1/2 cup (for sautéing)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
Ground Beef
1 lb (fresh, cooked)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Tabasco Sauce
1 dash (for flavor)
Tomatoes
1 lb (canned or fresh, diced)
Cornmeal
1 cup (for thickening)
Milk
1 cup (whole or skim)
Cream-Style Corn
1 cup (sweet corn variety)
Ripe Olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3
Stir in the salt, chili powder, diced tomatoes, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Gradually stir in the cornmeal and milk, cooking the mixture for an additional 15 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5
Once the mixture is well combined, fold in the cream-style corn and sliced ripe olives. Mix until evenly distributed.
6
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease two loaf pans.
7
Divide the tamale mixture evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and brush lightly with oil.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
9
Allow the tamales to cool before slicing and freezing, or serve them chilled as a delightful appetizer on crackers or melba toast.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty TiaJuana Tamales?
These are a savory appetizer twist on classic tamales featuring ground beef, spices, corn, and olives, typically served chilled on crackers.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is one pound of fresh ground beef.
How long does it take to bake the tamales?
The tamales should be baked for 1 hour or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for baking these tamale loaves.
How do you serve Zesty TiaJuana Tamales?
They are best served chilled as a cold appetizer on crackers or melba toast.
Can these tamales be frozen?
Yes, you can allow them to cool, then slice and freeze them for future use.
What kind of corn is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for both 1 cup of cornmeal for thickening and 1 cup of sweet cream-style corn.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef for this recipe.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes chili powder, salt, and a dash of Tabasco sauce.
Do I need to sauté the onions and garlic?
Yes, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in oil for 4-5 minutes until translucent before adding the beef.
How long should the beef mixture simmer after adding tomatoes?
The mixture should simmer covered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of pan should I use for baking?
You should use two lightly greased loaf pans.
How much cornmeal is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of cornmeal to help thicken the mixture.
Is there milk in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of milk, which can be either whole or skim.
What are some serving suggestions for the tamales?
They are perfect for parties, served on crackers or as savory bite-sized snacks.
How do I know when the tamales are done baking?
They are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is firm and set.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1 pound of either canned or fresh diced tomatoes.
What kind of oil is used and how much?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of oil specifically for sautéing the vegetables.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the role of cornmeal in this recipe?
Cornmeal is used as a thickening agent to give the tamales their signature texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the chili powder and Tabasco sauce, but you can adjust these to your taste.
Can I make these tamales in advance?
Absolutely, they can be made ahead of time, cooled, and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
What should I do before slicing the tamales?
Allow the baked loaves to cool completely before attempting to slice them.
How many loaf pans are needed for the full recipe?
The mixture should be divided evenly between two loaf pans.
Should the loaf pans be greased?
Yes, the loaf pans should be lightly greased before adding the tamale mixture.
What can I use instead of crackers for serving?
Melba toast is an excellent alternative to crackers for serving these chilled tamales.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced ripe olives.
Is cream-style corn necessary?
Yes, 1 cup of cream-style corn adds sweetness and moisture to the filling.
Can I adjust the salt and chili powder?
Yes, both the salt and chili powder can be adjusted to your personal taste preferences.