Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsIzzy'sBeef Tamale Recipe

Beef Tamale Recipe

Inspired by Izzy's
Time2h
Serves6

w/Chili and Corn Chips

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Ingredients

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Tamale Dough

Beef Filling

Corn Chips

Method

Tamale Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

  2. 2

    Add Shortening

    Cut in the vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. 3

    Incorporate Liquid

    Gradually add warm water or broth, mixing until a soft dough forms. Set aside.

Beef Filling Preparation

  1. 4

    Cook Beef

    In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

  2. 5

    Sauté Vegetables

    Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

  3. 6

    Season Filling

    Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

  4. 7

    Add Broth

    Pour in the beef broth and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Chili Topping Preparation

  1. 8

    Combine Ingredients

    In a saucepan, combine the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 9

    Simmer Chili

    Heat over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Corn Chips Preparation

  1. 10

    Heat Oil

    In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  2. 11

    Fry Tortillas

    Cut corn tortillas into triangles. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  3. 12

    Drain Chips

    Remove chips and drain on paper towels. Season with salt to taste.

Assemble Tamales

  1. 13

    Prepare Corn Husks

    Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable.

  2. 14

    Fill Tamales

    Take a soaked corn husk, spread a portion of tamale dough (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the husk, add a spoonful of beef filling, and fold the sides in, then fold the bottom up.

  3. 15

    Steam Tamales

    Place tamales upright in a steamer basket and steam for about 1 hour, or until the dough is firm and cooked through.

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