Authentic Beef Tamales Recipe with Spicy Chili Masa

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport you to the heart of authentic Mexican cuisine with our recipe for Beef Tamales With Chili Masa. These delectable bundles of joy are a labor of love, where tender shredded beef meets a flavorful chili-infused masa, all wrapped in fragrant corn husks. The process of making tamales may seem daunting at first, but trust me, the reward of biting into these homemade delights is unmatched.

Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and the aroma of simmering beef, cumin, and chili powder. As you assemble these tamales, you’ll feel a sense of tradition and togetherness that comes with preparing a dish meant for sharing and celebration. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular “tamale day” with the family, these Beef Tamales With Chili Masa will surely bring joy to your table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Swap the beef for pork or even go vegetarian with jackfruit or seasoned beans. Play around with toppings like salsa verde, cilantro, or cotija cheese to elevate the flavors. However you choose to enjoy them, these tamales are guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a culinary journey filled with love, laughter, and of course, delicious Beef Tamales With Chili Masa.

Quick Benefits

• Boneless beef chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked and shredded.
• Balancing masa harina and water ensures moist but not sticky dough, perfect for spreading on soaked husks.
• Shredded beef filling can be made ahead, making assembly easier.
• Tamales are ready when masa easily separates from corn husk and feels firm, usually after 1-2 hours.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Beef Tamales Recipe with Spicy Chili Masa Recipe

• Labor of Love: Making beef tamales is a fun and rewarding family activity that turns a regular day into a celebration.
• Traditional Comfort Food: These tamales are a classic comfort food packed with savory flavors that will remind you of festive gatherings.
• Generous Portions: This recipe yields plenty of tamales, perfect for storing in the freezer and enjoying for weeks to come.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling with different meats like brisket or pork shoulder, or opt for a vegetarian version with jackfruit or beans.
• Memorable Experience: The process of making tamales is filled with nostalgia, creating lasting memories around the kitchen table.
• Cultural Significance: Tamales have a rich history dating back thousands of years, making them a special dish to share with loved ones.
• Delicious Accompaniments: Beef tamales pair perfectly with salsa verde, cilantro, cotija cheese, pinto beans, and cabbage slaw for a complete meal.
• Make-ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shredded beef filling in advance, making assembly quicker and easier when you’re ready to make the tamales.
• Freezer-friendly: Store leftover tamales in the freezer for longer shelf life and enjoy them whenever you crave a comforting meal.
• Satisfying First Bite: The warm, tender beef filling wrapped in soft masa will make that first bite a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients for Authentic Beef Tamales Recipe with Spicy Chili Masa

Beef Filling

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 ml ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 900 grams boneless beef chuck roast
• 60 grams chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 475 ml beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Masa Dough

• 480 grams masa harina
• 15 ml salt
• 120 grams vegetable shortening
• 475 ml warm water

Assembly

• 24 corn husks, soaked in warm water for minimum 2 hours

Pro Tips for Authentic Beef Tamales Recipe with Spicy Chili Masa

To make perfect beef tamales, opt for boneless beef chuck roast for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked and shredded. Balance the masa harina and water to achieve moist but not sticky dough for easy spreading on soaked corn husks. Planning ahead? Prepare the shredded beef filling a day in advance and refrigerate for easier assembly on ‘tamale day’.

For delicious toppings, serve your beef tamales with salsa verde, fresh cilantro, or crumbled cotija cheese. To enhance the experience, pair them with pinto beans and a crisp cabbage slaw for a textural contrast. For an extra burst of flavor, offer side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, crema, or simple lime wedges to complement the tamales and create a festive meal.

How to Make Authentic Beef Tamales Recipe with Spicy Chili Masa

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Brown beef chuck roast in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2–3 hours until beef is tender.

Step 2: Shred Beef Mixture

Transfer the cooked beef from the pot to a plate and shred it finely using two forks. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Masa Dough

In a large mixing bowl, mix masa harina, warm water, vegetable shortening, and salt until a soft, pliable dough forms. Ensure the dough is moist but not sticky.

Step 4: Assemble Tamales

Place a corn husk flat and spread a thin, even layer of masa dough in the center, leaving a 5 cm space at the top edge. Add 2–3 tablespoons of shredded beef on top of the masa.

Step 5: Fold and Secure Tamales

Fold both sides of the corn husk to enclose the filling, then fold the top edge down and secure with kitchen twine or a strip of corn husk.

Step 6: Steam Tamales

Place the assembled tamales upright in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for 60–120 minutes until the masa is firm and easily pulls away from the husk.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Take the tamales out of the steamer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

After making these flavorful beef tamales, store any leftovers properly to maintain their taste and texture. Place the tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to extend their shelf life, individually wrap the tamales in plastic wrap and freeze them. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can steam the tamales or gently microwave them with a damp towel to restore their original softness.

To enhance the beef tamales further, consider serving them with toppings like salsa verde, fresh cilantro, or crumbled cotija cheese. Pair them with pinto beans and a crisp cabbage slaw for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. Remember that tamales have a rich history, dating back thousands of years in Mesoamerican culture, and are meant to be shared with loved ones. Enjoy the process of making and savoring these delicious tamales with your family and friends.

Ingredient Substitutions

If boneless beef chuck roast is unavailable, you can substitute it with brisket or slow-cooked pork shoulder for equally tender and flavorful tamales. These meats will also shred well and provide a delicious filling for your tamales.

In place of vegetable shortening, you can use lard for a richer flavor or a neutral oil as a substitute. This allows for flexibility in the recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The type of fat you choose can slightly alter the taste and texture of the masa but will still result in tasty tamales.

For a vegetarian twist, consider using jackfruit or seasoned beans instead of beef for a plant-based filling. This substitution maintains the heartiness and flavor of the tamales while catering to different dietary preferences. Experimenting with different fillings can add variety to your tamale-making experience and cater to a wider range of guests.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, consider hosting a tamale-making party with friends or family. Set up a tamale assembly line with bowls of shredded beef, masa, and soaked corn husks. Let everyone take turns spreading masa, adding filling, and rolling up their own tamales. It’s a great way to bond over delicious food and create lasting memories together.

To elevate the beef tamales, try serving them as a plated dish with a drizzle of homemade salsa verde, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a generous crumble of cotija cheese on top. Pair the tamales with a side of pinto beans cooked with bacon and a zesty cabbage slaw for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures will create a fiesta on your plate that’s sure to impress all your guests.

FAQs for Authentic Beef Tamales Recipe with Spicy Chili Masa

Can I make the shredded beef filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shredded beef filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. This can make the assembly process of the tamales easier and more convenient.

How do I know when the tamales are ready?

The tamales are usually ready after 1-2 hours of steaming when the masa easily separates from the corn husk and feels firm to the touch.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef chuck roast?

Absolutely! If beef chuck roast is not available, you can use brisket or even slow-cooked pork shoulder as alternative options. They will also work beautifully in this recipe.

What are some serving suggestions for beef tamales?

Beef tamales can be enjoyed on their own or topped with salsa verde, fresh cilantro, or cotija cheese. They pair well with sides like pinto beans and cabbage slaw for a perfect textural contrast. You can also serve them with Mexican rice, refried beans, crema, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary journey to create these delectable Beef Tamales With Chili Masa, remember that every step is a labor of love that will be cherished by those who gather around your table. The process of making tamales is not just about the end result, but about the memories created along the way – the shared laughter, the joy of cooking together, and the anticipation of that first delicious bite.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the aroma of these savory tamales fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, making tamales is a rewarding experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and your taste buds satisfied. Embrace the tradition, savor the flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of creating these Beef Tamales With Chili Masa.