Tasty Ground Beef Tamales Recipe: How To Make Them In Just 5 Simple Steps!

Tamales, a beloved culinary treasure, have captivated taste buds for centuries. With their tender, flavorful fillings enveloped in a soft, fragrant masa, they evoke memories of home and celebration. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a culinary journey, delving into the secrets of crafting mouthwatering ground beef tamales.

The Essential Ingredients

To create these savory delights, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups masa harina
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Cornhusks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes

Crafting the Savory Filling

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Preparing the Masa

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, vegetable oil, and warm water until a smooth dough forms.
2. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

Assembling the Tamales

1. Place a heaping spoonful of masa in the center of a corn husk.
2. Spread the masa out, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the ground beef filling down the center of the masa.
4. Fold the corn husk over the filling, overlapping the sides.
5. Tie the tamales securely with kitchen twine.

Steaming the Tamales

1. Fill a large steamer or tamale pot with water and bring to a boil.
2. Place the tamales in the steamer and steam for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the masa is cooked through.

Unveiling the Culinary Masterpiece

1. Carefully remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool slightly.
2. Unwrap the tamales and serve them hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

• Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or chopped chipotle peppers to the ground beef filling for a fiery kick.
• Add Sweetness: Include a small amount of brown sugar or honey to the tomato sauce for a subtle sweetness.
• Incorporate Herbs: Enhance the aromatics by adding chopped fresh oregano or thyme to the masa.
• Experiment with Toppings: Explore a variety of toppings to complement your tamales, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.

Preserving Your Culinary Creation

• Refrigeration: Store tamales in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place tamales in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then steam for 30 minutes.

Beyond the Basics

• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a plant-based alternative.
• Cheese Fiesta: Add shredded cheese to the ground beef filling for a gooey, melted center.
• Sweet Surrender: Fill tamales with a sweet mixture of cooked fruit, sugar, and cinnamon for a dessert variation.
• Regional Variations: Explore different regional variations of tamales, such as Oaxacan tamales with mole sauce or Yucatan tamales with achiote paste.

What You Need to Know

Q: How can I prevent the tamales from sticking to the corn husks?
A: Ensure that the corn husks are thoroughly soaked and pliable before using them.

Q: What is the best way to tie the tamales?
A: Use kitchen twine or strips of corn husks to tie the tamales securely, ensuring that the filling is well-enclosed.

Q: How can I tell if the tamales are cooked through?
A: The masa should be firm and no longer doughy. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a tamale; it should come out clean if the tamales are done.