Here’s your Tamale Casserole recipe formatted with clear sections:
Tamale Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 small boxes Jiffy Cornbread mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cans red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups taco/Mexican blend shredded cheese
- Taco seasoning (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Cooking spray
Instructions (Construction)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine cornbread mix, eggs, and milk. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the middle is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Using a spoon handle, poke holes all over the cornbread. Pour 1 can of enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, seasoning it with salt. Drain excess grease.
- Return the beef to the skillet, stir in taco seasoning and a little water, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining can of enchilada sauce, then pour the beef mixture evenly over the cornbread.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and top with sour cream, diced onions, salsa, or sliced avocado if desired.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the cornbread batter or mix in hot sauce with the beef.
- Chicken Version: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian: Use black beans or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices instead of beef.
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor.
Tips
- Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before poking holes to avoid crumbling.
- For extra cheesiness, mix some cheese into the beef before layering.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
(Makes about 8 servings)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~22g
- Sodium: ~900mg
(Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a cold glass of horchata or a refreshing lime agua fresca.
- Add a drizzle of chipotle crema or cilantro-lime sauce for extra flavor.
This should make the recipe easy to follow and more engaging! Let me know if you’d like any tweaks.