Easy Tamale Casserole Recipe

I recently discovered a new spin on tamales with my Tamale Casserole. This dish layers savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy masa topping with melted cheddar for an unexpectedly delightful experience. Each bite brings together bold flavors that invite sharing and memorable moments with friends and family.

I recently discovered an amazingly simple recipe that’s quickly become one of my favorites. Its name is Easy Tamale Casserole Recipe and trust me, it really lets you savor the taste of tamales without all the hassle of making them from scratch.

I started by browning 1 lb of ground beef with a small diced onion, a green bell pepper, and minced garlic and then tossed in a packet of taco seasoning with a splash of water. I added a can of undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, some frozen corn kernels and black beans.

Then things got even more interesting when I mixed masa harina with chicken broth, sour cream and a lightly beaten egg, along with a sprinkle of salt. I folded in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and baked until everything came together.

This recipe reminded me of those fun variations of tamale casserole and Mexican cornbread casserole that are always a hit at family dinners. Give it a try you wont regret it.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how easy it is to make this recipe, even if it sounds complicated with all the ingredients. Cooking the beef with the veggies and taco seasoning just feels super simple and not like a big hassle at all.

2. I love the mix of flavors in it. The beef, spices, and the tomatoes with green chilies create this tasty, slightly spicy vibe that just makes my taste buds happy every time I have it.

3. The masa mixture on top adds this neat tamale-like layer that gives the dish a cool texture. It’s amazing how it comes together without me having to go through all the trouble of making tamales from scratch.

4. Plus, when I add the shredded cheddar and optional crushed tortilla chips, I get this awesome crunch that contrasts with the soft beef and sauce. It always makes every bite feel fun and a bit different.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: A great protein source that makes the casserole filling and hearty.
• Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that gives a little heat and bold flavor.
• Masa harina: Authentic corn meal that adds texture and a subtle earthy sweetness.
• Black beans: Packed with fiber and protein offering a nutritious and hearty bite.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, bringing creaminess and a rich savory kick to every spoonful.
• Frozen corn: Provides a sweet crunch and pairs perfectly with the spicy notes.
• Garlic and onions: Enhance overall flavor with aromatic pungency that complements every bite.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Add a tangy and slightly spicy note to tie it all together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup masa harina
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the masa mixture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips for topping (optional)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish lightly so nothing sticks.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it starts to brown, then add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook ’em until they’re soft.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about a minute till it smells really good.

4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, the corn, and the black beans, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let everything simmer for a few minutes.

5. While the beef mixture is simmerin, in a separate bowl mix the masa harina, chicken broth, sour cream, lightly beaten egg, and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth.

6. Pour the beef mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish so its spread out nicely.

7. Spoon dollops of the masa mixture over the beef, then gently spread it out with a spatula to cover the top.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the masa layer and if you like, toss some crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.

9. Place the casserole in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

10. Pull it out of the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro if you want a fresh kick, let it rest for a few minutes, and then serve warm and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (for preheating to 350°F)
2. Casserole dish (lightly greased)
3. Large skillet
4. Knife and cutting board (for dicing the onion and bell pepper)
5. Spatula (for stirring the beef and spreading the masa mixture)
6. Mixing bowl (for mixing the masa ingredients)
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Can opener (for the diced tomatoes and black beans)

FAQ

Easy Tamale Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option.
• If you dont have taco seasoning, try mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper to make your own.
• Out of masa harina, you can use cornmeal blended with a little all purpose flour as a substitute.
• If sour cream is not available, Greek yogurt works just as fine and adds a nice tangy flavor.
• You can swap black beans with pinto beans for a different but tasty twist.

Pro Tips

1. Try cookin the beef and veggies low and slow for a few extra minutes before addin the other ingredients so that all the flavors really mash together.
2. When mixin the masa mix, use room temperature broth to help smooth things out and dodge any lumps.
3. Dollop the masa mix on top rather than stirrin it in so you get a nice crust on the top while keepin the flavors layered.
4. For a fun twist, toss a little extra crushed tortilla chips on top after the cheese melts to add crunch and extra flavor.