The Albers Tamale Pie Casserole is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines elements of Mexican and American cuisine. It’s a comforting casserole with a cornbread topping that resembles traditional tamales. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated cooking time:
History:
The exact origin of Tamale Pie is a bit unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the United States during the early 20th century. It was likely inspired by traditional Mexican tamales, which are made with masa (corn dough) and various fillings, but adapted to American tastes.
Components:
- Ground beef or ground turkey (about 1 pound)
- Onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Garlic cloves (2-3, minced)
- Chili powder (2 teaspoons)
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Canned corn (1 can, drained)
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 can)
- Black olives (sliced, optional)
- Cornbread mix (1 box, prepared according to package instructions)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1-2 cups)
Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of oil until they’re softened.
- Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart and cooking until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the drained corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and sliced black olives if desired. Simmer for a few minutes to combine all the flavors.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
- Follow the instructions on the cornbread mix box to prepare the cornbread batter.
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Top the Casserole:
- Pour the prepared cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture in the baking dish.
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Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
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Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cooked cornbread.
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Return to Oven:
- Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time:
The total preparation and cooking time for Albers Tamale Pie Casserole is approximately 45-50 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Tamale Pie Casserole, which beautifully combines the flavors of tamales and American comfort food!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Albers Tamale Pie Casserole. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Around 350-450 calories per serving.
- Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams.
- Saturated Fat: About 5-8 grams.
- Cholesterol: Roughly 40-60 milligrams.
- Sodium: Around 800-1000 milligrams.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45 grams.
- Dietary Fiber: About 2-4 grams.
- Sugars: Around 5-8 grams.
- Protein: Roughly 15-20 grams.
Health Information:
- Protein: The ground beef or turkey in this dish provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle development and overall body function.
- Fiber: While this dish may not be very high in fiber, you can increase its fiber content by adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or beans, to the meat mixture.
- Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, as canned ingredients (like tomatoes and corn) and some seasonings can contribute to higher sodium levels. Consider using low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of canned ingredients and reducing salt in the recipe.
- Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and ingredients used, so keep portion control in mind.
- Nutrient Balance: While this dish provides protein and carbohydrates, it’s essential to balance your overall diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you get a wide range of nutrients.
- Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using lean ground meat or substituting with ground turkey or chicken, using whole-grain cornbread mix, and adding more vegetables to the filling for added vitamins and minerals.
Remember that nutrition information can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and consider any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.
