Gluten-Free Tamale Casserole
Experience the bold flavors of a classic comfort food with this Gluten-Free Tamale Casserole, a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. Perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole layers a hearty, spiced filling of ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, and crushed tomatoes with a golden, fluffy gluten-free masa harina topping. Topped with melty shredded cheese, this dish bakes to perfection in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy families or those craving a quick and wholesome meal. Naturally gluten-free and customizable with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, this casserole delivers authentic tamale-inspired flavors without the effort of wrapping individual tamales. Serve it as a crowd-pleasing main course alongside a fresh salad or avocado slices for a truly irresistible meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Green bell pepper, diced
- 14 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1.5 cups Gluten-free masa harina (corn flour)
- 1.25 cups Water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Gluten-free baking powder
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free masa harina, gluten-free baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the water or chicken broth while mixing to form a smooth batter. Stir in the melted butter until incorporated.
Spread the masa mixture evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–35 minutes, or until the masa layer is firm and golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3191 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.2 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.7 g | 514% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 625 mg | 208% | |
| Sodium | 4372 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.2 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 133.6 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1703 mg | 131% | |
| Iron | 20.7 mg | 115% | |
| Potassium | 3130 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
