authentic mexican beef tamales recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
authentic mexican beef tamales recipe
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The Best authentic mexican beef tamales recipe

I’ve been making authentic Mexican beef tamales for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me assemble the tamales, and my husband enjoys the rich flavors of the beef filling.

I’m so glad I learned how to make this recipe from my friend Maria, who is from Mexico City. The tamales are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special dinner or just a weeknight meal.

My family loves them because they’re easy to eat and pack well in lunches. The best part is that this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can serve them with a variety of toppings, from traditional salsa and lime to modern options like sour cream and avocado.

Plus, they’re relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, thanks to the lean beef and whole corn husks. I’ve even started experimenting with different fillings and seasonings to keep things interesting.

As an added bonus, the process of making tamales is meditative and calming – it’s a great way to unwind after a long day. The smell of the corn dough steaming on the stovetop is just heavenly, and it’s a sensory experience that never gets old.

I’ve included all the necessary steps in this recipe so you can make authentic Mexican beef tamales at home.

Authentic Mexican Beef Tamales

Authentic Mexican Beef Tamales

4.5 from 1760 votes

Authentic Mexican Beef Tamales are a traditional dish made with corn dough, slow-cooked beef and a rich sauce. This recipe offers a delicious and authentic taste of Mexican cuisine, perfect for a family gathering or special occasion.

Prep Time60 mins
Cook Time3 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hrs
Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups masa harina flour
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp lard or vegetable shortening

For the Filling

2 lbs beef chuck
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For Assembly

1 package corn husks
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
3Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent.
4Add beef, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5Cook until beef is browned on all sides.
6Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
8Stir occasionally until beef is tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
9Remove from heat and set aside.
10While the beef is cooking, prepare the dough.
11In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
12Gradually add warm water and lard or vegetable shortening, mixing until a soft dough forms.
13Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
14Prepare the sauce by heating vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
15Add garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
16Sauté for 1 minute.
17Add tomato sauce, stir well, and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
18Soak corn husks in hot water for 30 minutes.
19Shred beef using two forks.
20Mix shredded beef with 1 cup of the prepared sauce.
21In a large steamer, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
22Lightly grease a baking sheet.
23To assemble, take a corn husk, pat it dry, and spread a thin layer of dough evenly across the wide end.
24Leave a 1-inch border.
25Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of the dough.
26Fold the long sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the pointed end up to enclose the tamale.
27Place seam-side down on the greased baking sheet.
28Place tamales in the steamer, cover, and steam over medium heat for 45-50 minutes.
29Check by carefully opening one tamale to ensure the dough is firm and pulls away from the husk cleanly.
30Remove from heat and let them rest for 10 minutes.
31Serve tamales warm with additional sauce on the side.
32Enjoy your authentic Mexican beef tamales.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Large pot
Steamer
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute corn oil for lard or vegetable shortening. Ensure corn husks are fully soaked to prevent breaking during assembly.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Mexican Beef Tamales Works

This authentic Mexican beef tamales recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will be in yours too.

Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or just a regular dinner, these tamales are sure to impress.

Plus, they’re relatively easy to make ahead of time and freeze for later use – perfect for busy families or individuals who value convenience without sacrificing flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Beef Tamales

Q: What type of meat should I use for the filling?

The traditional choice for beef tamales is chuck or skirt steak, which has a rich flavor and tender texture. You can also use ground beef if you prefer a more uniform texture.

Q: Can I use store-bought corn husks?

While store-bought corn husks can save time, they may not have the same flavor or texture as fresh corn husks. If you do choose to use store-bought, make sure they are 100% corn and free of additives.

Q: How do I keep the tamales moist during cooking?

Make sure to steam the tamales over boiling water with a tight lid on the steamer basket. You can also add a few tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil to the water for extra moisture.

Q: Can I freeze leftover tamales?

Yes! Tamales freeze beautifully, so feel free to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover tamales?

Steaming is still the best way to reheat leftover tamales – it helps preserve their texture and flavor. Simply place them in a steamer basket over boiling water with a tight lid on top.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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