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Tamale Casserole

Tamale Casserole
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Get all the cozy, savory flavor of traditional tamales without the hours of work! This easy casserole features a perfectly seasoned beef filling tucked under a fluffy, slightly sweet honey cornbread topping. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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For the Savory Beef Filling:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef (90/10)
  • 1 cup Yellow Onion, minced
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup Taco Seasoning
  • 1 (4-oz) can Diced Green Chiles, undrained
  • 1 (15-oz) can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup Frozen Corn
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

For the Honey Cornbread Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 ½ cups Yellow Cornmeal
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 ½ cups Milk (or Buttermilk)
  • ⅓ cup Honey
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prep Oven & Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Simmer the Filling: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the taco seasoning, green chiles, tomato sauce, and frozen corn. Bring to a bubble, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
  3. Mix the Topping: While the filling simmers, whisk the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the milk, honey, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the melted butter, and gently fold just until combined. Do not over-mix; a few lumps are perfect for a tender topping.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Pour the cornbread batter over the cheese and gently spread to cover the entire surface.
  5. Bake & Rest: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set for perfect squares!

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced avocado. A simple green salad on the side makes it a complete meal.
  • Tips & Tricks: The secret to fluffy cornbread is not to over-mix the batter! For a one-pan meal, use a large, oven-safe skillet to cook the filling and then bake the entire casserole in it.
  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. The entire casserole also freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://sabormexicana.com/tamale-casserole/