Mozzarella Tamale
A savory, cheesy beef and vegetable tamale-inspired casserole featuring melted mozzarella and cheddar, perfect for hearty family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1.25 oz.) pkg. chili seasoning mix ⓘ
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. cornbread mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in a nonstick skillet or Dutch oven, stirring until beef crumbles.
- Drain excess fat and return mixture to skillet.
- Stir in chili seasoning and stewed tomatoes, then bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, and drained sliced ripe olives.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for a reduced-fat variety to cut calories. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the meat with black beans or lentils, which pairs beautifully with the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mozzarella Tamale with a side of fresh salad, like a Catalina Taco Salad, to complement the robust flavors. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra creaminess. This dish pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips for a hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mozzarella Tamale contains roughly 724 calories, with 22g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1933mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Mozzarella Tamale ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tamale filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply spoon it into the greased baking dish and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I substitute for stewed tomatoes?
If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You may want to add a pinch of sugar or a dash of Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor of stewed tomatoes.
Can I freeze the Mozzarella Tamale?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).