Tamale Casserole

This Tamale Casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional tamales, delivering all the hearty comfort of the original without the complex wrapping process. The base consists of a rich, creamy cornmeal mixture bound with egg and milk, creating a tender texture that holds up beautifully to the savory filling. Inside, you'll find a flavorful blend of browned meat, diced onions, ripe tomatoes, and a touch of oregano, all brought together with briny green olives and optional cottage cheese for added creaminess. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings, providing a satisfying, protein-packed meal that is simple to assemble. The aroma of baking cornmeal and spices fills the kitchen, promising a warm and inviting dish that everyone will enjoy.

Cooking Method: Baking, Stewing

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 426.3

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This Tamale Casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional tamales, delivering all the hearty comfort of the original without the complex wrapping process. The base consists of a rich, creamy cornmeal mixture bound with egg and milk, creating a tender texture that holds up beautifully to the savory filling. Inside, you'll find a flavorful blend of browned meat, diced onions, ripe tomatoes, and a touch of oregano, all brought together with briny green olives and optional cottage cheese for added creaminess. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings, providing a satisfying, protein-packed meal that is simple to assemble. The aroma of baking cornmeal and spices fills the kitchen, promising a warm and inviting dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

3/4 cup Yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 cup Milk or water
1 Egg
1 pound Meat (chopped ham, chicken, or ground beef)
2 tbsp Oil
1 Onion, diced
3 Tomatoes, diced
1/2 tsp Oregano
1 can (7.5 oz) Green olives, sliced
1 cup Cottage cheese (optional)

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350&# 194;Â°F (175ÃÂ°C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk (or water), and egg until smooth. Set aside.
3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart if using ground beef.
4
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, and green olives. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6
If using cottage cheese, stir it into the meat mixture and simmer for another minute.
7
Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into the cornmeal batter and stir until well combined.
8
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 426.3kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16.8g26%
Saturated Fat 5.4g27%
Cholesterol 117.0mg39%
Sodium 637.9mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 44.1g15%
Dietary Fiber 3.9g16%
Sugars 5.8g
Protein 25.7g52%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Meat Variation: You can use chopped ham, rotisserie chicken, or ground beef for this recipe. Adjust cooking time for the meat accordingly if using pre-cooked options.

Dairy Substitution: For a lighter version, you can omit the cottage cheese or substitute it with ricotta cheese for a smoother texture.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Texture Tip: If you prefer a firmer casserole, reduce the milk to 1 cup. For a softer texture, use the full 1 1/2 cups or add a splash more.

Keywords: tamale, casserole, cornmeal, mexican-inspired, beef, chicken, ham, olives, tomatoes, oregano, baked, family-dinner, comfort-food, easy-meal

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/tamale-casserole-3/