Tamale Casserole: A Taste of Home with a Personal Twist
Food has a unique way of connecting us to our roots and bringing back cherished memories. This easy Tamale Casserole recipe is a dish that reminds me of home. As a child, my mother often whipped up a quick and delicious version using a popular boxed mix. However, when I moved away and couldn’t find it anymore, I decided to create my rendition. In this blog post, I’ll share my Tamale Casserole recipe, which has become a family favorite. It’s a comforting blend of flavors, and I’ll also provide you with an option to spice it up for those who crave an extra kick. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Here is what you need for Tamale Casserole:
Tools:
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Chop Turner
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Boards
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 package of taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can of cream-style corn
- 1 (6-ounce) box of cornbread mix
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- diced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
- onion cilantro lime relish
- diced cucumbers
- diced green onions
- diced avocados
- salsa
- sour cream
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until it is browned and crumbly, usually taking 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain and discard any excess grease. Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the cooked ground beef. Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat for about a minute, then promptly remove the skillet from the heat. Add the black beans, pinto beans, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet, combining all the ingredients well.
In a separate large bowl, beat the cream-style corn, cornbread mix, and egg until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
Spread the cornbread mixture evenly over the ground beef mixture in the skillet, creating a delicious layer of cornbread goodness. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top, adding a luscious cheesy touch to the casserole.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cornbread is set in the middle. The casserole should turn golden brown.
Serve with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
Note:
For those seeking a bolder flavor, consider adding a 14-ounce can of tomatoes and green chiles or using a Mexican-style cornbread mix. This variation will infuse the casserole with a zesty kick, bringing an exciting twist to the classic recipe.
You can also make it in a 9×13 baking dish if you don’t have a Cast Iron Skillet.
In Conclusion:
In just under an hour, you can prepare a Tamale Casserole that will transport you back to the flavors of home. This recipe combines ground beef’s heartiness, pinto beans’ creaminess, and the tangy sweetness of crushed tomatoes and cream-style corn. The crowning glory of this dish is the layer of golden, cheesy cornbread on top, adding a tasty crunch to every bite.
Whether thinking about childhood memories or looking to create new ones with your loved ones, this Tamale Casserole is a comforting and satisfying choice. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to recreate the flavors of home in your kitchen. Enjoy!
This is Renee “Doing what I Love”
To see me make it live, click here.
Tamale Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 package of taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can of cream-style corn lightly beaten
- 1 (6-ounce) box of cornbread mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- diced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
- onion cilantro lime relish
- diced cucumbers
- diced green onions
- diced avocados
- salsa
- sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until it is browned and crumbly, usually taking about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain and discard any excess grease. Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the cooked ground beef. Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat for about a minute, then promptly remove the skillet from the heat. Add the black beans, pinto beans, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet, combining all the ingredients well.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the cream-style corn, cornbread mix, and egg until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
- Spread the cornbread mixture evenly over the ground beef mixture in the skillet, creating a delicious layer of cornbread goodness. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top, adding a luscious cheesy touch to the casserole.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cornbread is set in the middle. The casserole should turn golden brown.
- Serve with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
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