Name: Delicious Homemade Beef Tamales That Warm the Heart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 10 pieces Corn Husks (Soak in hot water to soften); 3 cups Prepared Masa (Consider using masa mixed with olive oil); 3 pounds Beef Shoulder Roast (Can substitute with top sirloin or bottom round); 7 ounces Guajillo Chiles (Key for the red chile sauce); 2 cups Beef Broth (Homemade is recommended); 4 cloves Garlic (Whole cloves to infuse flavor); 2 teaspoons Cumin (For red chile sauce); 1 medium Onion (Chopped finely); to taste Salt (For seasoning); to taste Pepper (For seasoning); 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil (For browning beef and cooking sauce); Salsa; Guacamole; Rice

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The aroma of simmering beef and spices wafting through the kitchen can transport me straight to familial gatherings filled with laughter and shared stories. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my take on Authentic Beef Tamales with Red Chile Sauce, a cherished recipe that brings comfort and celebration into our homes. These tamales not only serve as a delicious centerpiece for your next holiday feast but can also be made in large batches, making them perfect for sharing. Plus, the savory filling and soft masa will create a delightful experience for your taste buds, leaving you longing for more. Ready to wrap yourself in an unforgettable culinary adventure? Let’s dive into making these homemade delights!

Why Choose Beef Tamales?

Unforgettable Flavor: Each bite of these beef tamales brings together savory spices and tender beef, evoking memories of family gatherings.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, these tamales are meant to be shared, making them ideal for any occasion.

Versatile Twists: Swap in different meats or even create a vegetarian version with mushrooms for a delightful spin.

Comfort Food Elevated: Enjoy a meal that not only feeds the belly but also nurtures the soul, reminiscent of warm hugs from loved ones.

Make-Ahead Wonder: These tamales freeze beautifully, so you can have a homemade feast ready at a moment’s notice, adding convenience to their deliciousness.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: They’re bound to impress anyone at the table, proving that homemade meals can outshine takeout any day.

Beef Tamales Ingredients

• Gather your favorites for a comforting meal.

For the Tamales

Corn Husks – Essential for wrapping tamales and imparting a slight corn flavor during steaming; soak them in hot water to soften.
Prepared Masa – Provides the foundational texture and structure for the tamales; consider using masa mixed with olive oil for a healthier alternative.

For the Filling

Beef Shoulder Roast – The star of your beef tamales, providing a rich and flavorful filling; you can substitute with top sirloin or bottom round if desired.
Guajillo Chiles – Key for the red chile sauce, imparting a deep, smoky taste; a 7-ounce package is perfect for this recipe.
Beef Broth – Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the filling; homemade broth is recommended for an even richer taste.
Garlic – Delivers aromatic depth to the filling; using whole cloves during simmering infuses the broth nicely.
Cumin – Provides warmth and an earthy flavor to the red chile sauce.
Onion – Chopped finely for an extra layer of flavor in the filling.
Salt & Pepper – Crucial for seasoning both the filling and masa; adjust to your taste preference.
Cooking Oil – Used for browning the beef and cooking the chile sauce, ensuring depth and richness in flavor.

For Serving (Optional)

Salsa, Guacamole, or Rice – Perfect accompaniments to elevate your beef tamales experience.

Embrace the savory goodness of these beef tamales, bring friends and family together, and create lasting memories around the dinner table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Authentic Beef Tamales with Red Chile Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. Season the beef shoulder roast with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, add enough beef broth to cover the meat, along with whole garlic cloves, chopped onion, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Make the Red Chile Sauce
While the beef simmers, prepare the red chile sauce. Soak the guajillo chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened. Drain and place the chiles in a blender, blending with reserved beef broth until smooth. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a separate pan and cook the blended chile mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and the flavors deepen.

Step 3: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is tender and the aromas fill your kitchen, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the prepared red chile sauce until well-coated. Keep the beef mixture warm on low heat for the next step, ensuring it’s ready to fill the tamales when the masa is prepared.

Step 4: Prepare the Masa and Corn Husks
Soak the corn husks in hot water for 30 minutes, ensuring they get pliable. After soaking, drain the husks and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared masa with salt and enough water or broth to achieve a spreadable consistency. This will be the base for wrapping your flavorful filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of masa evenly across the bottom half, leaving space at the edges. Place 1–2 tablespoons of the beef filling on top of the masa, then fold the sides of the corn husk in toward the center and roll it up tightly from the bottom. Repeat this process until all masa and filling are used.

Step 6: Steam the Tamales
Prepare your steamer by adding water to the bottom and bringing it to a boil. Arrange the tamales upright in the steamer basket, ensuring they’re not packed too tightly for proper cooking. Cover with a damp cloth and steam for 1.5 hours. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough water in the pot, adding more if needed, until the masa pulls away cleanly from the husks.

What to Serve with Authentic Beef Tamales?

The experience of savoring beef tamales becomes even more delightful with the perfect accompaniments that enhance their rich flavors.

Salsa Fresca: A fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of vibrant flavor and acidity that complements the savory tamales wonderfully.
Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole provides a cooling balance to the spicy beef, making each bite a harmonious delight.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices offers a comforting base that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the tamales.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans bring a hearty element to the table, enriching the meal and providing an extra layer of comfort.
Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime and cilantro enhances the meal’s flavor palette, adding a sweet crunch that everyone will enjoy.
Chiles Rellenos: Stuffed peppers add a touch of indulgence, combining flavors that resonate with the authentic Mexican experience.
Margaritas: Refreshing margaritas elevate the festive spirit, with their tangy notes balancing the richness of the tamales beautifully.
Mexican Hot Chocolate: End the meal on a sweet note with a warm, spiced hot chocolate that offers a cozy finish and echoes the flavors of Mexico.
Tres Leches Cake: A slice of this moist cake drenched in three kinds of milk provides the sweet treat needed to complement the savory tamales.

Beef Tamales Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize your beef tamales to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Chicken or Pork: Swap out the beef for shredded chicken or pork to explore new flavor profiles. Each option offers a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef filling for an extra layer of heat that warms both the heart and soul. Your taste buds will rejoice!
Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth and sautéed mushrooms for a rich, savory filling that makes a delicious vegetarian tamale option. Perfect for those looking to cut back on meat!
Flavor Boost: Mix in some cheese, like queso fresco or Monterey Jack, into the masa for a creamy addition that enhances each bite. It’s a comforting twist you won’t want to miss!
Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped cilantro or epazote into the filling for a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the flavor profile. These fresh herbs transport you to a bustling Mexican market!
Nutty Texture: Add crushed nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the beef filling. They create an unexpected crunch and richness to each tamale.
Different Chiles: Experiment with other dried chiles like ancho or pasilla for the sauce to change up the flavor. Each type offers its own unique smokiness and depth.
Ricotta Swirl: For an indulgent treat, try swirling some ricotta cheese into the filling. It adds a creamy texture that beautifully balances the savory flavors in your tamales.

By mixing and matching these variations, you can create your own family favorites and bring a delightful twist to the dish. If you’re interested in more flavors, check out my Baked Beef Chiles or explore Chilli Beef Flavor to keep the inspiration flowing.

Tips for the Best Beef Tamales

Cool Filling: Ensure the beef filling is cool before adding it to the masa. This helps maintain the integrity of the lard, preventing it from melting prematurely.

Invite Helpers: Invite friends or family to help with assembling the tamales. It speeds up the process and makes for a fun, shared experience around your kitchen table!

Check Water Levels: While steaming, keep an eye on the water level in your steamer. Adding more water as needed prevents burning and ensures even cooking of your beef tamales.

Proper Folding: Fold tamales tightly but not too tight. They need some room to expand while steaming, ensuring a perfect texture when finished.

Warm Before Serving: Tamales are best served warm. If reheating leftovers, steam them for about 15 minutes for delicious results.

Frozen Future: If you make a large batch, freeze extra tamales for later. They make for a quick and comforting meal, staying delicious for up to 6 months!

How to Store and Freeze Beef Tamales

Fridge: Store leftover beef tamales in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Each tamale should be well-wrapped to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze tamales in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight bag for up to 6 months. This helps prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To reheat, steam frozen tamales for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. For fridge-stored tamales, steaming for 10–15 minutes works well.

Tips: Ensure tamales are completely cooled before placing them in storage. Proper wrapping keeps the flavors intact, so savor those homemade beef tamales later!

Make Ahead Options

These Beef Tamales are a fantastic meal prep choice for busy home cooks! You can prepare the filling and masa up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the cooled beef filling and prepared masa in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For even longer storage, the assembled tamales can be frozen for up to 6 months. To maintain quality, let them cool before placing in containers and make sure to layer parchment paper between them if stacking. When you’re ready to enjoy, steam the tamales directly from the fridge for 1.5 hours or from the freezer for 20-30 minutes longer. This way, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready with minimal effort!

Beef Tamales Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best corn husks for tamales?
Absolutely! When choosing corn husks, look for husks that are large, pliable, and free from dark spots or tears. They should be a light golden color. Soaking them in hot water for about 30 minutes before use helps soften them, making them easier to work with as you wrap your tamales.

What is the best way to store leftover beef tamales?
Very! Store your leftover beef tamales in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap each tamale tightly to prevent them from drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh even with leftovers!

Can I freeze beef tamales, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze beef tamales, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen tamales to an airtight freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 6 months. This way, you can have a homemade meal ready at a moment’s notice.

What should I do if my tamales are undercooked?
If your tamales are undercooked after steaming for 1.5 hours, don’t worry! Simply turn off the heat and let them sit in the steamer for an additional 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the masa to firm up, ensuring a perfect texture when served. Just check that the masa pulls away cleanly from the husks.

Are these beef tamales suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very! These beef tamales can be versatile for various diets. For a gluten-free option, be sure to choose masa harina labeled gluten-free. If there are concerns about beef, feel free to substitute with shredded chicken or a plant-based alternative like mushrooms to cater to vegetarian diets.

How long does the flavor of the beef tamales last after cooking?
The savory goodness of your beef tamales can last up to 5 days in the fridge if stored properly. However, for optimal tastiness, enjoy them within the first few days. Their flavor and freshness will be at their peak, making each bite a comforting experience!