If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly blends the comforting flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the heartiness of a savory pie, this Mexican Shredded Beef Tamale Pie is the perfect recipe for you. The combination of tender, slow-cooked beef infused with spices, and a light, fluffy masa crust gives you a unique take on the classic tamale in pie form. Topped with corn, cheese, and salsa, it’s a complete meal that offers a satisfying and mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Shredded Beef:
- 3 pounds of beef chuck or brisket cut
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or a jar of tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
For the Tamale Crust:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1/2 cup lard or butter
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
For Assembly:
- One cup of corn, either fresh, frozen, or canned (well-drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup green or red salsa (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shredded Beef
- Season and Sear the Beef: Season the beef with cumin, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Add Aromatics: Once the beef is seared, add the sliced onions and minced garlic.
- Simmer the Beef: Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), and tomato paste (if using). Let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, shred it using two forks. Let the shredded beef sit in the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Tamale Crust
- Make the Dough: In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Add the lard (or butter) and use your hands or a fork to mix until crumbly. Gradually add the beef broth (or water) and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Set Aside: Cover the masa dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Tamale Pie
- Layer the Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the shredded beef evenly in a large casserole or baking dish.
- Top with Corn and Salsa: Spread the corn kernels evenly over the beef layer. If you’re using salsa, spoon it evenly over the corn.
- Add the Masa Layer: Take the masa dough and flatten small portions in your hands, then layer them over the top of the filling, covering the entire surface.
- Add Cheese: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly on top of the masa dough.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the tamale pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the masa crust is golden brown and cooked through. Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm. You can add more salsa on top or a side of sour cream for extra flavor!
Conclusion:
This Mexican Shredded Beef Tamale Pie offers a fantastic fusion of flavors, with the richness of slow-cooked beef and the satisfying texture of a tamale-like crust. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s a meal that pleases a crowd and delivers comfort in every bite.
Mexican Shredded Beef Tamale Pie with a Corn Masa Crust
A delicious and hearty Mexican Shredded Beef TamalePie with slow-cooked, spiced beef, topped with a masa crust, corn, and optionalsalsa and cheese for added flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Shredded Beef:
- 3 pounds of beef chuck or brisket cut
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or a jar of tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste optional
For the Tamale Crust:
- 2 cups masa harina corn flour
- 1/2 cup lard or butter
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
For Assembly:
- One cup of corn either fresh, frozen, or canned (well-drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1 cup green or red salsa optional
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shredded Beef
- Season and Sear the Beef: Season the beef with cumin, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Add Aromatics: Once the beef is seared, add the sliced onions and minced garlic.
- Simmer the Beef: Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), and tomato paste (if using). Let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, shred it using two forks. Let the shredded beef sit in the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Tamale Crust
- Make the Dough: In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Add the lard (or butter) and use your hands or a fork to mix until crumbly. Gradually add the beef broth (or water) and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Set Aside: Cover the masa dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Tamale Pie
- Layer the Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the shredded beef evenly in a large casserole or baking dish.
- Top with Corn and Salsa: Spread the corn kernels evenly over the beef layer. If you’re using salsa, spoon it evenly over the corn.
- Add the Masa Layer: Take the masa dough and flatten small portions in your hands, then layer them over the top of the filling, covering the entire surface.
- Add Cheese: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly on top of the masa dough.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the tamale pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the masa crust is golden brown and cooked through. Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm. You can add more salsa on top or a side of sour cream for extra flavor!