How To Make Ground Beef Hot Tamales In 5 Easy Steps!

Craving a savory and authentic Mexican delicacy? Look no further than ground beef hot tamales! These delightful cornmeal pockets filled with flavorful ground beef and a blend of spices are a culinary masterpiece that can elevate any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the art of making homemade ground beef hot tamales, ensuring you create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones.

Ingredients

For the Masa (Cornmeal Dough):

• 1 pound masa harina (cornmeal flour)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other:

• Corn husks (soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes)
• String or kitchen twine
• Large stockpot or steamer

Instructions

1. Prepare the Masa

• In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, vegetable oil, warm water, baking powder, and salt.
• Mix thoroughly until a soft and pliable dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add more warm water. If it’s too wet, add more masa harina.

2. Cook the Ground Beef Filling

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

3. Spread the Masa

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide the masa dough into 12 equal portions.
• On a lightly floured surface, flatten each portion into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter.

4. Fill the Tamales

• Spread a thin layer of ground beef filling in the center of each masa circle.
• Fold the sides of the masa over the filling, overlapping slightly.
• Tie the tamales securely with string or kitchen twine.

5. Steam the Tamales

• Line the bottom of a large stockpot or steamer with corn husks.
• Place the tamales upright in the steamer, leaving some space between them.
• Add enough water to the pot to come halfway up the sides of the tamales.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the masa is firm and the tamales are tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Tips

• For a spicier flavor, add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the ground beef filling.
• If you don’t have corn husks, you can use banana leaves instead.
• You can make the tamales ahead of time and reheat them in the microwave or steamer when ready to serve.
• Serve the tamales with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Variations

• Chicken Tamales: Use ground chicken instead of ground beef.
• Pork Tamales: Use ground pork instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian Tamales: Omit the ground beef and use a combination of beans, vegetables, and spices for the filling.
• Sweet Tamales: Fill the tamales with a sweet filling, such as fruit, sugar, or cinnamon.

The Bottom Line

Mastering the art of making ground beef hot tamales is a culinary adventure that will reward you with a delicious and authentic Mexican treat. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create these flavorful cornmeal pockets that will delight your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, soak your corn husks, and embark on a journey to experience the tantalizing flavors of homemade hot tamales.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?
A: Yes, you can use ground chicken, pork, or even a combination of meats.

Q: How long do tamales last in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze tamales?
A: Yes, cooked tamales can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What is the best way to reheat tamales?
A: You can reheat tamales in the microwave, steamer, or oven.

Q: What are some good toppings for tamales?
A: Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, and chopped onions are all popular toppings for tamales.