Cheesy Tex-Mex Tamale Bake: Quick & Easy Family Dinner

Quick Tamale Casserole: A Tex-Mex Delight

Overview

The Quick Tamale Casserole is a vibrant Tex-Mex creation that brings together the rich, earthy flavors of tamales, chili, and cheese into a cohesive and comforting dish. This casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal on the table in under an hour. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this recipe delivers the bold flavors of the Southwestern U.S. with minimal effort.

Recipe Details

• Name: Quick Tamale Casserole
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Description: Make and share this Quick Tamale Casserole recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
• Recipe Category: Tex-Mex
• Keywords: Southwestern U.S., < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
• Aggregated Rating: 5 (based on 2 reviews)
• Calories per Serving: 604.3
• Fat Content: 32.5g
• Saturated Fat Content: 16.4g
• Cholesterol Content: 97.5mg
• Sodium Content: 1695.8mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 50.5g
• Fiber Content: 11.1g
• Sugar Content: 3.5g
• Protein Content: 29.5g
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Chili (with or without beans): 1 can (15 ounces)
• Canned Tamales: 1 1/2 cans (approx. 6 tamales)
• Corn Chips: 2 cups, crushed

Instructions

1. Preparation:

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   • Remove Tamales from Can: Open the cans of tamales and remove them, ensuring to reserve the liquid.
   • Remove Husks: Carefully peel off the husks from the tamales.

2. Assembly:

   • Cut Tamales: Cut the tamales in half crosswise for even distribution and place them in a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.
   • Add Reserved Liquid: Pour the reserved liquid from the tamale cans evenly over the tamales in the baking dish.
   • Spread Chili: Spoon the chili over the tamales, spreading it evenly to cover them completely.
   • Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili.
   • Top with Corn Chips: Finish with a layer of crushed corn chips, spreading them evenly over the cheese.

3. Baking:

   • Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serving:

   • Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This casserole can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or a simple salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 604.3
• Total Fat: 32.5g
• Saturated Fat: 16.4g
• Cholesterol: 97.5mg
• Sodium: 1695.8mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50.5g
• Dietary Fiber: 11.1g
• Sugars: 3.5g
• Protein: 29.5g

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the Tex-Mex experience of your Quick Tamale Casserole, consider pairing it with:

• Mexican Rice: The fluffy, seasoned rice complements the hearty tamale and chili combination.
• Refried Beans: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, perfect for balancing the crunch of the corn chips.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette can lighten the meal.
• Sour Cream and Guacamole: Add a dollop of sour cream and a side of guacamole for added creaminess and freshness.

Customization Ideas

While the basic Quick Tamale Casserole recipe is a winner, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian chili and tamales to make a meat-free version of this casserole.
• Spicy Variation: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili before spreading it over the tamales for an extra kick.
• Cheese Choices: Try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for different flavor profiles.
• Corn Chip Swap: Experiment with flavored tortilla chips, such as lime or nacho cheese, for a twist on the topping.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Greasing the Dish: Make sure to lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• Even Layering: Spread the ingredients evenly to ensure every bite has a balanced mix of tamale, chili, cheese, and corn chips.
• Crushed Chips: For a uniform crust, crush the corn chips into similar-sized pieces before sprinkling them over the casserole.
• Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Historical Context and Popularity

Tamales, a traditional Mesoamerican dish, have been a staple in many Latin American cuisines for centuries. They are typically made from masa (a dough made from nixtamalized corn) and filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The casserole version simplifies the tamale preparation while still delivering the familiar flavors. The concept of a tamale casserole has become a popular American adaptation, particularly in the Southwestern United States, where Tex-Mex cuisine thrives.

This Quick Tamale Casserole takes advantage of pre-made tamales and canned chili, making it accessible and easy for home cooks looking for a quick yet delicious meal. Its popularity stems from its convenience and the comforting, hearty nature of the dish, making it a go-to option for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.

Conclusion

The Quick Tamale Casserole is a delightful amalgamation of traditional tamale flavors with the convenience of a casserole format. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a favorite for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a taste of the Southwest without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich, cheesy, and comforting flavors. Enjoy this Tex-Mex treasure as part of your culinary repertoire and share it with friends and family for a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.