Cooking with the Journal-Tamale Casserole

This casserole was a favorite of my children when they were growing up so I made it often.  It makes a lot so leaves leftovers for my husband to eat on the nights that I work. It is a perfect dish to take to a potluck or other get-together dinner.  The use of the tamales makes it different than many ground beef casseroles.  I use Nalley's Tamales, a brand available here in the northwest.  The casserole is quick, easy, and can be made with pantry shelf ingredients.  If you have already browned up ground beef in your freezer, this is a snap to make.  You may, in fact, make this without the ground beef and use two cans of tamales.  It works just fine.  I have also omitted the noodles from time to time.

Tamale Casserole

Family Favorites from Country Kitchens

Farm Journal Books, 1973

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 c. chopped onion

1/2 c. chopped red or green pepper (omit if you don't like this)

1 (15 oz.) can tamales, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 (1 lb.) can red kidney beans, drained or 1 (1 1b.) can chili beans, undrained

1 (1 lb.) can cream-style corn

2 (8 oz.) or 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

4 oz. wide noodles, cooked and drained

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. chili powder

 1/2-1 t. cumin (not in original recipe, but I use it)

1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef in skillet until meat begins to turn color.  Add onion and pepper.  Saute' until meat is well browned.  Set aside.  Open the can of tamales, rinse the sauce from the tamales, and remove the papers that they are wrapped in.  Cut tamales into 1-inch pieces.  Combine the tamales, beans, corn, tomato sauce, noodles, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder and cumin in a large bowl.  Add ground beef and mix well.   Turn into greased 3-qt. casserole or 9x13-inch baking dish.  Top with cheese.  Bake in 375 degree oven 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.  Makes 6-8 servings.

I am sharing this recipe at Potluck Sunday at Mommy's Kitchen.

Tomorrow:  Ingredient Spotlight-half n' half/cream