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Quick Skillet Tamale Casserole

Quick Skillet Tamale Casserole

Classic DishTamales

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 35 min. This weeknight-friendly deconstructed tamale dish transforms the classic flavors into a savory, cheesy casserole that's perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort. It features a seasoned masa base baked with your favorite tamale filling, like succulent chicken or hearty black beans, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
35 min
Total time
55 min
Servings
6

Instructions

Prepare the Masa Base

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. 2In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm chicken broth and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft, uniform dough forms. It should be spreadable but not too wet.

Assemble the Casserole

  1. 1Press about two-thirds of the masa dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared skillet or baking dish to form the base.
  2. 2In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, black beans, salsa verde, corn, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. 3Spread the chicken and bean mixture evenly over the masa base in the skillet.
  4. 4Dot the remaining masa dough over the filling in small portions, then sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese.

Bake and Serve

  1. 1Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the masa is cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the masa should come out clean.
  2. 2Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories
551 kcal
Protein
30 g
Fat
26 g
Carbs
45 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories551 kcal
Protein30 g
Fat26 g
Carbs45 g

Tips

  • For a vegetarian option, replace shredded chicken with an extra can of black beans or crumbled firm tofu.
  • To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
  • Serve this casserole with a side of extra salsa, guacamole, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

By Chef Michael Ilin