Skillet Beef Tamales
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with the irresistible flavors of Skillet Beef Tamales—an easy, one-pan spin on traditional tamales! This hearty recipe layers spiced ground beef, a savory masa harina crust, and gooey melted cheese all in a single oven-safe skillet, making it perfect for busy days. Bold seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika elevate the beef, while the masa topping bakes to golden perfection for a tender, fluffy texture. With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, you'll have a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that's bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor. Serve it straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro, for a family-friendly meal that's as convenient as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1.25 cups masa harina
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef or chicken broth. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and smooth the beef mixture into an even layer.
In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted butter and warm water, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
Spoon the masa dough over the beef mixture in the skillet, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the masa layer.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the masa topping is set and lightly golden.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your skillet beef tamales!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2080 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.2 g | 202% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.9 g | 394% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 534 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 5115 mg | 222% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 113.1 g | 226% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1006 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1612 mg | 34% | |
*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.
