Forktionary

Tamale Casserole Recipe

This quick and easy Tamale Casserole recipe is a delicious alternative to creamy casseroles! Inspired by Texas cooking, this recipe boasts savory ground beef, spicy chili peppers, and a fluffy cornmeal crust. A perfect weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of Texas comfort food!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 256.4 kcal
Protein 35g
Rating 4.0 (10 Reviews)
Tamale Casserole 26

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Tamale Casserole

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How to Make Tamale Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until tender (about 5 minutes).
  3. Crumble the 1 pound ground beef into the skillet and brown, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Stir in the 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the meat simmers, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornmeal and 1 cup of cold water until smooth.
  8. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon chili powder to the boiling water.
  9. Gradually whisk in the cold cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  10. Remove from heat and cover.
  11. Lightly grease a casserole dish (approximately 9x13 inches) with vegetable cooking spray.
  12. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to cover the bottom and sides.
  13. Top with the meat mixture.
  14. Sprinkle with sliced black olives, if desired.
  15. Cover the meat with the remaining cornmeal mixture.
  16. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

30 g

Sugar

14g

Fat

17g

Carbs

7g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat Ground Beef Recipes The Americas American Mexican Southern Fall Recipes Game Day Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Healthy Casseroles Main Dish Beef American Southwestern United States Tex Mex Oven Easy Dietary Spicy One Dish Meal Low Cholesterol Seasonal Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Comfort Food Low Carb Inexpensive Healthy 2 Ground Beef Low In Something Meat Taste Mood Savory Equipment