Tex-Mex Tamale Bake
Try this Tex-Mex Tamale Bake recipe.
Try this Tex-Mex Tamale Bake recipe.
- salt and fresh ground pepper
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- veggies:
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- corn meal base:
- 5 1/4 cups water or beef broth or stock
- 1 1/4 cup corn meal
- 1 extra large yellow or white onion small chop, set aside 1/3 for garnish
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves fine chop
- 1 green bell pepper small chop, set aside 1/2 for garnish
- 1 red pepper small chop set aside 1/2 for garnish
- 2 roma tomatoes seeded and fine chop for garnish only
- 1 serrano chile pepper fine chop (serrano are slightly hotter than the jalapeno pepper. i suggest wearing kitchen gloves when cutting and chopping all hot peppers, especially if you wear contacts. the oil will remain on your hands and fingers even after washing them.)
- 1 lb. ground hamburger or ground buffalo organic if possible
- 1 can, 14 oz rotel diced tomatoes with habaneros mild, hot or original, your call
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock stock will always give you a much richer base
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano not ground
- 15 pimento stuffed olives medium chop, set aside 1/3 for garnish
- 8 oz. grated cheese monterey jack or a mexican blend, grated
- Carbohydrate 15.9790215267738 g
- Cholesterol 7.6325 mg
- Fat 7.18870659420866 g
- Fiber 2.9032845779869 g
- Protein 3.07604373125738 g
- Saturated Fat 2.46127226945741 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (168g)
- Sodium 85.9860446294875 mg
- Sugar 13.0757369487869 g
- Trans Fat 0.431019874882929 g
- Calories 137 calories
Step-by-step
- Corn Meal Base - Bring water or stock to a boil in a medium-sized pan. Add 2 teaspoon salt and slowly pour in cornmeal, whisking constantly. Once combined, continue to cook, whisking periodically until creamy and somewhat thick, replace whisk with a wooden spoon. Turn the heat to low and hold until ready to layer casserole.
- Prep veggies as cornmeal is cooking.
- Filling - Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, add olive oil and saute' onion, garlic, bell peppers, chili pepper and a chef's pinch of salt, medium to medium-high heat. Continue to saute' until tender, around 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add beef or buffalo, break into small pieces and saute' until most of the red has turned brown. Add Rotel with juice, stock and spices. Continue to cook until juices in the pan have reduced by ½, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in olives, season to taste and remove from heat.
- Layering Casserole - Pour ½ corn base into a casserole dish, top with ½ meat mixture and ½ cheese mixture. Repeat.
- Pop in the oven and bake until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Let casserole rest, after the oven bake, for 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish each plate or pass the garnish and let everyone choose their own.
- Enjoy!
My Tex-Mex Tamale Bake Adventure: A Culinary Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. However, I've discovered that even amidst the chaos, there's always room for a little culinary creativity, and this Tex-Mex Tamale Bake has become a family favorite. It's a dish that balances ease of preparation with an explosion of flavors, something that perfectly suits my fast-paced life.
The inspiration for this bake struck me during one of my rare moments of peace – a quiet afternoon curled up with a good book. I had just returned from a trip to a vibrant Mexican market where the aroma of spices and the sight of colorful ingredients sparked my culinary imagination. I envisioned a dish that would capture the warmth and vibrancy of Mexican cuisine but with a simplified approach suitable for a weeknight dinner. The result? This delicious Tex-Mex Tamale Bake, which has become a regular staple in our household.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don't have buffalo? No problem! Ground beef or even turkey works perfectly. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. The key is to let your creativity guide you. The process is straightforward, even for novice cooks. The layers of cornmeal, savory meat filling, and melted cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that will please even the pickiest eaters.
The Cornmeal Base: This forms the foundation of the bake, a comforting and subtly sweet base that complements the spicier meat filling. The simple preparation involves bringing water or stock to a boil, whisking in the cornmeal, and cooking until it reaches a creamy consistency. I prefer using chicken broth for a richer flavor, but water works just as well.
The Savory Filling: This is where the true magic happens. The heart of the dish is a flavorful filling of sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and chili peppers. I love the vibrant colors these ingredients bring to the dish, and the combination of sweet and spicy notes creates a delicious contrast. The addition of ground beef or buffalo adds heartiness and protein, and the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies provide a tangy kick. Don't skimp on the spices; cumin, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper elevate the flavor profile to another level.
The Layering Process: This is where the fun begins. I like to layer the cornmeal base, meat mixture, and cheese in a 9x13 inch baking dish, creating a visually appealing casserole that is as delicious as it looks. The baking process transforms the casserole into a golden-brown masterpiece, the cheese bubbling and melting, creating a beautiful crust.
Serving and Enjoying: After a short resting period, it's time to enjoy this culinary creation. I love to garnish each serving with chopped tomatoes, green bell peppers, and pimento-stuffed olives for an extra touch of color and flavor. This Tex-Mex Tamale Bake is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. It's a crowd-pleaser that's always met with enthusiastic approval.
The Tex-Mex Tamale Bake has become more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a dish that reflects my personal philosophy on cooking: create delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a perfect blend of convenience and taste, a testament to the fact that delicious food can be simple and achievable, even amidst the busiest of lives. It's a meal that celebrates the joy of cooking and sharing food with loved ones – a small but meaningful act of love in the midst of a busy week.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a story, a journey of flavors and experiences. Each bite tells a tale of busy weekdays, creative culinary explorations, and ultimately, the simple pleasure of sharing a comforting and delicious meal with family. And that, my friends, is a recipe worth savoring.
