Beef Tamale Recipe | Easy Traditional Homemade Tamales

Some dishes carry more than just flavor they carry tradition, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. The beef tamale recipe is one such classic that has been enjoyed for generations. Wrapped with care and cooked slowly, beef tamales offer a rich combination of soft dough and deeply seasoned beef that feels comforting with every bite.

This recipe is written for everyone. You don’t need professional cooking skills or special equipment. Every step is explained in a simple way so even someone making tamales for the first time can understand it easily. By the end, you won’t just know how to make beef tamales you’ll understand the process completely.

How to Make Beef Tamale Recipe at Home

Making a beef tamale recipe at home is all about patience and simple steps. First, the beef is cooked until tender and full of flavor. Then a soft masa dough is prepared, which forms the base of the tamale. After that, everything is gently wrapped in corn husks and steamed until perfectly cooked.

It may sound long, but each step is easy when done calmly. Think of it as preparing something special, not rushing through a meal. Once you taste the final result, the effort will feel completely worth it.

Ingredients for This Recipe

• Beef chuck or stew beef
• Dried corn husks
• Masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
• Beef broth
• Cooking oil or lard
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Chili powder
• Cumin powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• Tomato sauce
• Water

Mastering the Beef Tamale Recipe, One Step at a Time

Step 1: Soak the Corn Husks: Place the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes. This softens them and makes wrapping easier. Once soft, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef: Add beef to a pot with water and a little salt. Cook on medium heat until the meat becomes tender and easy to shred. Remove the beef, shred it using a fork, and keep the broth for later use.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat oil in a pan and add onion and garlic. Cook until soft. Add shredded beef, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Pour in a little beef broth and let it simmer until thick and flavorful.

Step 4: Make the Masa Dough: In a bowl, mix masa harina with salt and oil or lard. Slowly add warm beef broth while mixing until you get a soft, smooth, spreadable dough.

Step 5: Assemble the Tamales: Lay a corn husk flat. Spread a thin layer of masa dough in the center. Add a spoonful of beef filling. Fold the sides inward, then fold the bottom up to seal.

Step 6: Steam the Tamales: Place the wrapped tamales upright in a steamer. Steam for 60–75 minutes. They are ready when the dough separates easily from the husk.

Step 7: Rest and Serve: Let the tamales rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and improves texture.

Tips and Variations

• Add jalapeños or chili flakes for extra spice
• Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
• Add cheese to the filling for a creamy twist
• Don’t overfill the tamales; less filling works better
• Always taste the filling before assembling

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Tamale)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 14g

Beef tamales are filling and provide a good balance of protein and energy.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make beef tamales in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and steam them ahead of time.

Q2: How do I know tamales are fully cooked?

 When the dough pulls away easily from the husk, they are done.

Q3: Can I freeze beef tamales?

 Yes, cooked tamales freeze well for up to 2 months.

Q4: Are beef tamales spicy?

They can be mild or spicy depending on seasoning.

Conclusion

This beef tamale recipe shows that traditional food doesn’t have to be complicated. With clear steps, simple ingredients, and a little patience, you can make soft, flavorful tamales at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or learning something new, this recipe delivers comfort, taste, and satisfaction in every bite.