Why You’ll Love These Authentic Seasoned Beef Tamales
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with masa harina and no wheat-based ingredients.
- Rich, Bold Flavors: A blend of spices creates a mouthwatering beef filling.
- Family Tradition: Bring everyone together for a tamale-making party!
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy them fresh, or freeze for a quick meal later.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tongs or kitchen gloves for handling hot tamales
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (for masa)
- Steamer pot or large stockpot with a steaming insert
Authentic Seasoned Beef Tamales
- Total Time: 4 hours
Description
Nothing beats the warm, hearty goodness of Authentic Seasoned Beef Tamales! This traditional dish, wrapped in soft masa and filled with flavorful beef, is a celebration of taste and heritage. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal, making tamales is a labor of love that’s absolutely worth it.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Masa Dough
- 4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 1/3 cups lard or vegetable shortening, whipped until fluffy
For Assembly
- 20–30 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water for 1–2 hours
- Kitchen twine (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the beef back to the pot, along with beef broth and spices.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the beef using two forks, then mix it back into the sauce. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Masa Dough
- In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- Add warm broth a little at a time, mixing to form a dough.
- Beat the whipped lard or shortening into the masa until it becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Tamales
- Lay a soaked corn husk flat on a clean surface, with the wider end at the top.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of masa dough onto the husk, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center.
- Fold the sides of the husk inward to enclose the filling, then fold up the bottom. Tie with kitchen twine, if desired.
Step 4: Steam the Tamales
- Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer pot, open side up.
- Steam over medium heat for 1.5-2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there’s enough water in the pot.
- Tamales are done when the masa pulls away easily from the husk.
Notes
- Soak the Corn Husks Well: Soft husks are easier to work with and less likely to tear.
- Use Whipped Lard: This gives the masa a light, airy texture for perfect tamales.
- Customize the Filling: Swap beef for chicken or make vegetarian tamales with beans and roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make the tamales ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the tamales and freeze them uncooked. Steam directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Q2: Can I use an Instant Pot to steam tamales?
Absolutely! Use the steaming function for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size and number of tamales.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by steaming or microwaving.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Tradition Worth Sharing
These Authentic Seasoned Beef Tamales are a delightful way to bring warmth and tradition to your table. Each bite is packed with bold, savory flavors wrapped in a soft, fluffy masa dough. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something delicious, these tamales are sure to impress.
Did you try this recipe? Share your tamale-making adventures and photos with us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Nutritional Information (per tamale)
Calories: 250
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every bite of these delicious tamales, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!
