Tamale Casserole
Looking for a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dinner that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to please a crowd? Our Tamale Casserole is the answer. This bold, savory, and cheesy casserole combines a moist cornbread base with zesty ground beef and enchilada sauce, all topped with a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s everything you love about tamales in a fuss-free, layered casserole form.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients for Tamale Casserole
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jiffy Cornbread Mix | 2 small boxes |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Milk | 2/3 cup |
| Ground Beef | 2 lbs |
| Red Enchilada Sauce | 2 cans |
| Taco/Mexican Blend Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Taco Seasoning | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Non-stick Cooking Spray | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Tamale Casserole
1. Preheat and Prep for Success
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
ADVERTISEMENT
2. Prepare the Cornbread Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix with 2 eggs and 2/3 cup of milk. Whisk until smooth, and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a light golden brown.
ADVERTISEMENT
Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool slightly. Then, poke holes evenly across the top using the handle of a wooden spoon. This step helps the enchilada sauce seep in, infusing every bite with bold flavor.
3. Soak the Cornbread with Flavor
Pour one can of red enchilada sauce over the warm cornbread, letting it soak into the holes. This creates the juicy, savory bottom layer that mimics the taste and texture of tamale dough.
4. Cook and Season the Beef Filling
While the cornbread bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown 2 pounds of ground beef, seasoning it with salt as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain the excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole. Return the meat to the skillet, then stir in your favorite taco seasoning blend and a splash of water. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors deepen and marry beautifully.
5. Add Sauce and Build the Layers
Stir in the remaining can of enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. This helps to create a saucy, bold filling that perfectly complements the soft cornbread base.
Carefully spoon the meat mixture evenly over the prepared cornbread, ensuring full coverage from edge to edge. This hearty layer provides the rich texture and flavor balance needed to emulate traditional tamales.
6. Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Top the casserole with 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese, evenly distributed. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
