Hot Tamale Casserole 🌶️
Prepare yourself for a delightful journey through the flavors of Mexico with this sensational Hot Tamale Casserole recipe! If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, get ready to be blown away by the delicious combination of ingredients in this dish. While it may require a little extra effort, the payoff is definitely worth it. Plus, you can adjust the level of heat to suit your taste buds, making it perfect for spice enthusiasts and those who prefer a milder flavor alike.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 465.9
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 | frozen whole kernel corn |
| 3 | tomato paste |
| 1 | chopped tomatoes |
| 3 | green pepper |
| 1 | onion |
| 1 | lb lean ground beef |
| 1 1/4 | tbsp lite olive oil |
| 2 | green olives |
| 1 | tsp ground cumin |
| 1 | tsp salt |
| 1 1/2 | tsp allspice |
| 1/2 | tsp chili powder |
| 2 | cups yellow cornmeal |
| 1/2 | cup all-purpose flour |
| 2 | tbsp sugar |
| 1/2 | tsp baking powder |
| 1 | tbsp butter |
| 1 | tbsp margarine |
| 1 | cup 2% low-fat milk |
| 1 | egg |
| 1 | cup sharp cheddar cheese |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper, sauté until tender.
- Add lean ground beef and cook until it crumbles and is no longer pink.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, frozen corn, sliced green olives, ground cumin, salt, allspice, chili powder, and any desired pepper sauce.
- Simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes until flavors meld and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- While the filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
-
Prepare the Tamale Topping:
- In a separate large bowl, combine yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Melt butter and margarine, then add them to the dry ingredients along with milk and an egg.
- Stir the mixture until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
- Quickly fold in finely chopped jalapeño pepper and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Once the filling is ready, spoon it into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
-
Add the Topping:
- Now, back to the tamale topping mixture – spoon it in large dollops around the edge of the casserole dish, leaving the center exposed.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornmeal topping is cooked through and lightly browned on top, creating a deliciously crispy crust.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, portioning it out onto plates, and savor the delightful flavors of this Mexican-inspired dish with your loved ones.
This Hot Tamale Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, with its hearty and satisfying combination of ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it’s bound to impress with its rich flavors and comforting texture. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant tastes of Mexico! 🇲🇽🍲
