Tamale Bake Salad
A hearty layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, cheesy cornmeal crust, crisp lettuce, and toppings like sour cream and olives, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cornmeal, cold water, margarine, and salt until well combined.
- Add boiling water to the mixture and cook until it thickens, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the cornmeal mixture in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- While baking, brown the ground beef with taco mix and onion soup mix. Drain off excess fat.
- Press half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the baked cornmeal crust and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
- Mix the remaining ground beef mixture with shredded lettuce and spread over the baked crust.
- Garnish with sour cream, taco sauce, olives, and sprinkle with remaining cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use cornbread mix instead of cornmeal for a quicker version. To enhance flavor, add spices like cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture. If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce. This dish is a great way to use up leftover taco fixings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tamale Bake Salad with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Beef Enchiladas and makes for a fun taco night spread. For extra crunch, consider a side of Mexican street corn or guacamole to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Bake Salad contains roughly 487 calories, with 10g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1096mg per serving (48% 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
What can I serve with Tamale Bake Salad?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with a light green salad or Mexican rice for balance. You could also offer a variety of salsas and dips, enhancing the flavors and adding a festive touch to your meal.
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).