Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these beef tamales, where savory ground beef meets aromatic spices wrapped in soft corn dough. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy nights at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cherished family tradition. Each tamale is a delightful bundle bursting with flavor, bringing warmth and joy to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups corn masa flour (masa harina for tamales)
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 cup dried corn husks (soaked)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
Salt to taste
Optional: sour cream or cheese for topping

Instructions

Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until pliable.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
In a large bowl, combine corn masa flour with baking powder and salt. Gradually add chicken broth until smooth.
Spread 2 tablespoons of masa dough on each soaked husk, add a spoonful of beef filling, and fold up from the bottom.
Arrange assembled tamales upright in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 1 to 1.5 hours until masa is set.
Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream or cheese.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tamale (90g)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Experiment with fillings by substituting beef with chicken or cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week; reheat in a steamer or microwave for best results. Ensure your masa dough is moist but not overly wet to achieve perfect texture.