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Savory Black Bean Tamale Dish
Savory Black Bean Tamale Dish
Main Course

Savory Black Bean Tamale Dish

★★★★ ☆ 4.2 (477)

This hearty dish combines tender black beans with rich spices wrapped in soft masa for a comforting meal. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic twist on traditional flavors.

◷ 1 hr 25 min Total Time
♜ 4 Servings
▥ Hard Difficulty
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Ingredients

4 servings
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Instructions

1

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm some oil in a cast iron skillet until it’s shimmering, then toss in the chopped onion, green pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook everything together, stirring now and then, until the veggies soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef and garlic, breaking up the meat as it browns—this usually takes another 5 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some off. Stir in the black beans, chile sauce, and tomatoes, letting the mixture cook until the sauce thickens just a bit, about 5 minutes.

2

Step 2

While that’s going, bring a pot of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal with a little salt and cook it until it turns thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. Take it off the heat and mix in the corn kernels, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and diced jalapeño. Give everything a good stir, then spread this mixture evenly over the meat and bean base in your skillet.

3

Step 3

Pop the skillet into the oven and bake until the top turns golden and the filling bubbles up, around 45 minutes. Once it’s done, let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving so everything sets nicely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is full of bold flavors and comforting textures. The black beans add a hearty protein boost, while the masa dough gives a satisfying, tender bite. It’s a great way to enjoy traditional tamale flavors with a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of crema. A simple green salad or pickled vegetables can add a nice contrast and brightness to the meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, steam them gently or warm in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist. For longer storage, freeze tamales wrapped tightly and thaw before reheating.