tamale casserole
Tamale casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that takes all the flavors of traditional tamales and combines them into a convenient casserole. This layered dish features corn masa, seasoned meat, and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 skillet
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn drained
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- optional fresh cilantro or lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, baking powder, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the cornmeal mixture in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the meat mixture evenly over the cornmeal base.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the meat mixture.
- Spread the remaining cornmeal mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables or using different types of meat.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with additional beans or lentils while keeping all other ingredients the same.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.