Beef Tamales

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Beef Tamales are a flavorful, traditional Mexican dish consisting of seasoned beef wrapped in soft masa (corn dough) and steamed in corn husks. The beef filling is typically made with slow-cooked, shredded beef that’s seasoned with a blend of spices, garlic, onions, and sometimes a touch of chili for heat. The masa is spread onto softened corn husks, topped with the savory beef filling, and then wrapped tightly before being steamed to perfection.

I first made these tamales when I was looking to try something new and traditional for a holiday gathering, and they turned out to be a hit! The rich, tender beef filling paired with the soft, slightly sweet masa creates a comforting, satisfying bite that’s perfect for any occasion. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add ingredients like green chilies, olives, or even cheese to the filling to make it your own. While tamales require some time and effort to prepare, the end result is always worth it. Whether enjoyed with a side of salsa, sour cream, or a bit of guacamole, Beef Tamales are a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for any celebration or casual meal!

Perfect for:

  • Family gatherings
  • Holiday feasts
  • Casual dinners
  • Celebratory events
  • Fans of savory Mexican dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Beef Tamales will become your go-to dish for any occasion:

  • Authentic Mexican Flavors: The spiced beef filling combined with the masa offers a true taste of Mexican tradition.
  • Satisfying and Hearty: The tamales are filling and hearty, making them a perfect meal on their own.
  • Perfect for a Crowd: Easy to prepare in large batches, making them ideal for parties or family meals.
  • Soft, Steamed Masa: The masa dough is soft and fluffy, absorbing all the flavors of the beef filling.
  • Customizable Spices: Adjust the level of heat with more or less chili, depending on your taste preferences.
  • Freezable for Later: You can freeze the tamales for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
  • Great with Sides: Serve them with Mexican rice, beans, or salsa for a complete meal.
  • Fun to Make: Assembling tamales is a fun and interactive activity, especially when shared with family or friends.
  • Versatile Fillings: While this recipe focuses on beef, tamales can be filled with chicken or vegetables for a variety of flavors.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: A special treat for holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, or Cinco de Mayo.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 3 hours (including steaming time)
  • Preparation Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 2 hours
  • Steaming Time: 1.5 hours
  • Servings: 20 tamales
  • Calories per tamale: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup diced green chilies (optional)

The Masa Dough:

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Wrapping:

  • 20-25 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: The base of the filling, offering a hearty and savory flavor.
  • Masa Harina: The traditional flour used to make the masa dough, which gives tamales their signature texture.
  • Spices: A perfect blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika to season the beef.
  • Corn Husks: Essential for wrapping the tamales, allowing them to steam and cook evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Beef Filling:

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
  3. Season the Beef: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aroma.
  4. Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
  5. Finish the Filling: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and optional green chilies. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Masa Dough:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the broth and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add more broth, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Assemble the Tamales:

  1. Prepare Corn Husks: Lay the soaked corn husks flat and remove any excess water.
  2. Spread Masa on Husks: Take a small handful of masa dough and spread it evenly in the center of each corn husk, leaving about 1 inch at the top and bottom.
  3. Add Beef Filling: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center of the masa.
  4. Fold the Tamales: Fold the sides of the corn husk over the masa and filling, then fold the bottom of the husk up to enclose the tamale.
  5. Tie the Tamales: If desired, tie the ends of the tamales with strips of corn husk to keep them secure.

Steam the Tamales:

  1. Set Up the Steamer: Fill a large pot or tamale steamer with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the tamales. Bring the water to a boil.
  2. Steam the Tamales: Place the tamales upright in the steamer, making sure they are tightly packed. Cover with a wet cloth and steam for 1.5-2 hours, or until the masa is fully cooked and separates easily from the corn husk. Add more water as needed during the steaming process.

Serve:

  1. Serve the Tamales: Allow the tamales to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with salsa, Mexican crema, or your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Beef Tamales:

  • With Salsa Verde: Pair tamales with tangy salsa verde for a zesty contrast.
  • As a Party Dish: Serve tamales at your next gathering as a fun and interactive meal.
  • With Mexican Rice and Beans: A classic side dish combo for a complete Mexican feast.
  • As a Snack: Serve tamales as a tasty snack with some crema or guacamole on the side.
  • For Holiday Feasts: Perfect for Christmas or other holiday celebrations.
  • With Fresh Lime: Squeeze fresh lime over tamales for an added burst of flavor.
  • With Jalapeño Sauce: Spice things up with a tangy jalapeño hot sauce.
  • With Mexican Corn Salad: Pair tamales with a fresh, tangy corn salad for extra crunch.
  • As a Gift: Make tamales as a homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
  • For Casual Dinners: Serve tamales alongside a simple salad for a cozy dinner.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overfill the Tamales: Too much filling can make the tamales difficult to wrap and steam properly.
  • Check Water Level While Steaming: Make sure the water in the steamer doesn’t run out while cooking.
  • Soften the Corn Husks: Ensure the corn husks are fully soaked to prevent them from cracking when wrapping.
  • Test for Doneness: If the masa pulls away easily from the husk, your tamales are ready.

Recipe Variations

  • Turkey Tamales: Swap the beef for shredded turkey seasoned with similar spices for a different flavor.
  • Chicken Tamales: Use shredded cooked chicken for a lighter filling option.
  • Vegetarian Tamales: Fill with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and beans for a meatless version.
  • Cheese and Jalapeño Tamales: Add cheese and chopped jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy twist.
  • Sweet Tamales: Try a sweet tamale version with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins.

Special Equipment

  • Tamale Steamer: Essential for steaming tamales evenly.
  • Corn Husk Soaking Bowl: To soak corn husks before wrapping.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For preparing masa dough.
  • Spatula or Spoon: To spread masa evenly on the corn husks.
  • Cloth for Steaming: To cover the tamales while they steam.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen corn husks?
    Yes, frozen corn husks can be used. Simply soak them as you would fresh ones.
  2. Can I make the tamales ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare and steam tamales in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
  3. How do I reheat tamales?
    Steam tamales for 10-15 minutes to reheat, or microwave them in a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Can I make tamales without a steamer?
    Yes, you can use a large pot with a lid and a steaming rack. Just make sure the tamales are elevated above the water.
  5. How can I make tamales less greasy?
    Use less oil in the masa dough or reduce the fat content in the beef filling.
  6. How do I prevent the masa from sticking to the husk?
    Make sure to spread the masa evenly and not too thick on the husk.
  7. Can I use a different filling?
    Absolutely! Tamales can be filled with turkey, chicken, vegetables, or cheese for variety.
  8. How many tamales should I make per person?
    Typically, 2-3 tamales per person is a good serving size.
  9. Can I add cheese to the beef filling?
    Yes, adding cheese to the beef mixture creates a delicious, creamy filling.
  10. Can I freeze the masa?
    Yes, you can freeze the masa dough for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Beef Tamales are a delicious and comforting dish that embodies the heart of Mexican cuisine. With their flavorful beef filling and soft masa dough, these tamales are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy dinner, Beef Tamales are sure to be a hit. Try making them ahead of time for easy meal prep or freeze them for later enjoyment. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to bring joy to your table!