Best 2 Easy Tamale Casserole Recipes

Indulge in the flavors of Mexico with our delightful tamale casserole recipes, a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary tastes. This comforting dish combines the richness of masa harina with a variety of fillings, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Explore our collection of easy-to-follow recipes, ranging from classic tamale casserole with chicken or beef to unique variations featuring vegetarian fillings and creative flavor combinations. Each recipe offers step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect casserole every time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, our tamale casserole recipes will guide you through the process of creating this delectable dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

EASY TAMALE CASSEROLE

Easy Tamale Casserole image

My mom liked to make the Hamburger Helper® version of this recipe. When I moved to another state, I could not find it, so I came up with this. Memories of home. My hubby likes for me to spice this up sometimes, so I will use a 14-ounce can of tomatoes and green chiles in it or just use a Mexican-style cornbread mix sometimes.

Provided by Gwendelyn Robinson Grizzle

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (6 ounce) box cornbread mix
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Season beef with salt and pepper.
Stir onion into the ground beef; cook and stir for 1 minute and immediately remove skillet from heat.
Stir pinto beans and crushed tomatoes into the beef mixture.
Beat cream-style corn, cornbread mix, and egg together in a bowl until smooth; spread over the top of the ground beef mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the corn mixture.
Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the cornbread is set in the middle, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 515.2 calories, Carbohydrate 56.5 g, Cholesterol 98.6 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 1402.5 mg, Sugar 6.8 g

EASY TAMALE CASSEROLE

Easy Tamale Casserole image

Treat your family to this cheesy casserole that features chicken and pork - perfect for dinner.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 45m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

6 to 8 green pork tamales (Oaxaca style), husks removed
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from 3 lb deli rotisserie chicken)
2 1/2 to 3 cups green salsa, from 2 (10 oz each) jars
2 cups shredded Mozzarella, Oaxaca or Manchego Cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Steps:

Heat oven to 400° F. In a 13x9-inch glass baking dish (3-quart), place the tamales (husked) so the bottom is completely covered (you may have to cut some in half).
In medium bowl, mix chicken and salsa; spoon over tamales. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover dish tightly with foil sprayed with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is partially melted. Remove from oven; uncover. Drop sour cream by tablespoonfuls over casserole. Garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado slices or finely chopped red onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 530, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fat 4 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 820 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

Choose the Right Tamales: Select high-quality tamales made with fresh masa and your preferred filling. Frozen or canned tamales can also be used, but they may have a different texture.
Prepare the Tamales Properly: If using frozen tamales, thaw them completely before assembling the casserole. If using fresh or canned tamales, remove the husks and cut them into desired pieces.
Use a Variety of Cheeses: A blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco, adds richness and flavor to the casserole. Experiment with different types to find your favorite combination.
Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: Incorporate chopped vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or onions into the casserole for a nutrient boost and added texture.
Don't Overcook the Casserole: Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tamales are heated through. Overcooking can dry out the tamales and make them tough.

Conclusion:

Tamale casserole is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the deliciousness of tamales with the convenience of a casserole. Whether you're using homemade or store-bought tamales, this casserole is a great way to enjoy this Mexican delicacy. With its rich flavors, cheesy goodness, and customizable variations, tamale casserole is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's create a mouthwatering tamale casserole that will tantalize your taste buds!