Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker beef tamale recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional tamales without the hours of tedious work. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend feast, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Get ready to experience the rich, savory goodness of tender beef nestled in a comforting corn masa, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It's a delicious and easy recipe that makes for a fantastic healthy meal.
Ingredients:
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For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Tamales:
- 4 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups beef broth or water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp lard or vegetable shortening (optional, for richer flavor)
- Corn husks, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
3. Make the Masa: In a large bowl, whisk together masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add beef broth (or water) while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. If using, stir in the lard or shortening. The consistency should be like thick pancake batter. Adjust liquid as needed.
4. Assemble the Tamales: Lay out a corn husk. Spread about 1/4 cup of masa onto the husk, leaving about an inch of space at the wide end. Add a spoonful of the slow-cooked beef filling onto the masa.
5. Fold and Steam: Fold the sides of the husk inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Repeat with the remaining husks and filling.
6. Slow Cooker Steaming: Place the assembled tamales upright in your slow cooker, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the masa is cooked through and easily peels away from the husk.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the tamales from the slow cooker. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade beef tamales!
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the beef filling while it simmers. Remove before transferring to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have corn husks, you can use parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices in the beef filling, such as smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Add other vegetables to the beef filling, such as bell peppers or corn.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
Nutritional Information (per tamale, approximate):
Calories: 250-300, Protein: 10-15g, Fat: 10-15g, Carbohydrates: 30-40g. Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on ingredients used.
This slow cooker beef tamale recipe is a testament to the power of simple, delicious homemade cooking. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes. Enjoy the fiesta!