Irresistible Beef Tamales: A Flavorful Delight

Beef Tamales are like little bundles of joy wrapped in corn masa, filled with savory beef that dances on your taste buds. As the aroma wafts through the kitchen, you can’t help but feel that excitement bubbling up inside, promising a flavor experience that’s nothing short of divine. slow cooker cranberry pork loin slow cooker steak casserole Imagine biting into one of these beauties, the tender beef melting in your mouth while the masa hugs it tightly like a warm blanket.

Every time I whip up a batch of Beef Tamales, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my family gathered around the table, laughter echoing as we filled and wrapped tamales together. classic beef meatloaf recipe These delicious morsels transform any gathering into a festive occasion, perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying those comfort food cravings.

One holiday season, I prepared Beef Tamales for my family reunion. Everyone went wild for them, fighting over who got the last one—definitely a testament to their deliciousness! mini beef wellingtons.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use high-quality ground beef for rich flavor; lean cuts work best to avoid excess grease.
• Corn Masa: Opt for masa harina specifically meant for tamales; it ensures the perfect texture.
• Chicken Broth: Homemade broth adds depth; store-bought works too if you’re short on time.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder bring warmth and zest; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Husked Corn Leaves: Soak them in warm water before using; this keeps them pliable for wrapping.
• Salsa Verde: A zesty addition that complements the tamales beautifully; feel free to use your favorite brand.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by soaking the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until soft and pliable. This prevents tearing when wrapping.

Cook the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Spices and Broth: Stir in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Let this simmer on low heat until flavors meld beautifully—about 10 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Mix the Masa Dough: In a bowl, combine corn masa with baking powder and salt. Gradually add chicken broth until you achieve a smooth dough consistency—think thick cake batter.

Assemble Your Tamales: Lay a soaked corn husk flat and spread about two tablespoons of masa down the center. Add a generous spoonful of beef filling before folding over to seal securely.

Steam Those Tamales!: Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket lined with leftover husks or cloth. Steam over boiling water for approximately 1-1.5 hours until masa is firm to touch.

Now you’ve got yourself an impressive batch of Beef Tamales! Enjoy them straight from the pot or let them cool before storing—if they last that long! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the beef filling while soaking the masa dough, then assemble and steam the tamales together for optimal timing.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different meats or add spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. You can even make vegetarian versions using beans or cheese.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat them in the steamer to retain moisture and flavor.

Sharing my first experience making beef tamales was hilarious; they ended up looking more like burritos than tamales, but everyone loved them anyway.

FAQ

What type of meat is best for beef tamales?

Use well-marbled cuts like chuck roast for tender and flavorful results.

How long do I need to steam tamales?

Steam tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the masa separates easily from the husk.

Can I freeze leftover beef tamales?

Yes, you can freeze cooked beef tamales for up to three months; just reheat before serving.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Beef Tamales

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Beef Tamales are a delicious Mexican treat, featuring tender ground beef enveloped in a soft corn masa and wrapped in corn husks. These flavorful bundles are perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, offering a comforting experience that transports you back to your childhood kitchen. With customizable fillings and dipping sauces, these tamales are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups corn masa harina
• 1 cup chicken broth (plus extra for dough)
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably chuck)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 12 soaked corn husks (for wrapping)
• Salsa verde (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until pliable.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and chicken broth to the skillet; simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix corn masa with baking powder and salt. Gradually add chicken broth until dough is smooth.
5. Lay a soaked corn husk flat; spread 2 tablespoons of masa down the center, add beef filling, then fold and seal.
6. Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket and steam over boiling water for 1 to 1.5 hours until firm.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tamale (100g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg