How to Make the Perfect Tamales: Beef or Chicken?

In the United States, tamales can be found at most Mexican restaurants. They are also popular in home kitchens where they can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a chicken tamale recipe or beef tamale recipe, this blog has you covered!

Chicken Tamales Recipe

Chicken tamales are a delicious and comforting dish that are perfect for winter. They freeze well, so you can easily have them on hand whenever you need them. A great dish to enjoy during the winter holidays, chicken tamales are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer them spicy or not, there’s sure to be a flavor that you’ll love. Give these delicious tamales a try this Christmas and enjoy a warm and hearty meal!

Ingredients

2 lbs ground chicken

1 onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Pinch of salt

8-10 corn husks

For the tamales:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups cooked white chicken or beef, shredded (optional)

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes, divided use (optional)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt. mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Place half the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with black beans, white chicken, tomatoes (if using), and cheddar cheese.
  4. Repeat the layering, ending with the remaining mixture.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
  6. Serve tamales warm or cold.

Beef Tamales Recipe

Beef tamales are a delicious, traditional Mexican dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. They’re also a great way to use up leftover beef. This recipe features beef, onions, jalapeรฑos, tomato sauce, and corn masa dough. The beef is cooked before being mixed with the other ingredients and then formed into tamales. Once they’re cooked, they can be served hot or cold, but they’re definitely best eaten fresh!

Ingredients

1 pound beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cotija, pepper jack, or other favorite Mexican cheese)

6 corn husks

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grate the cheese, then mix with the beef cubes, onions, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt and black pepper in a bowl.
  2. Spread half of the tomato sauce in an 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Place one-third of the beef mixture on top of the tomato sauce.
  4. Bring up the sides of the corn husks around the filling and tie them securely with string or kitchen twine to make a tamale package.
  5. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and tomato sauce.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
  7. Remove from oven and Serve hot, cold or at room temperature.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a tamale recipe that will satisfy your tamale cravings, look no further! Our chicken and beef tamales recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds with their masa corn filling and tender meat filling. Make sure to give them a try this weekend!