Gluten-Free Tamale Casserole

Savor the comforting flavors of this *Gluten-Free Tamale Casserole*, a hearty dinner option that transforms the classic tamale into an easy-to-make, one-pan delight. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features a savory filling of seasoned ground beef or turkey, sautéed with onions, garlic, and green bell peppers, and simmered with crushed tomatoes and spices. Topped with a fluffy gluten-free masa harina crust and a golden layer of melted cheese, it delivers all the bold, traditional tamale flavors in a fraction of the time. This crowd-pleasing casserole is naturally gluten-free and can be garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Ready in just under an hour, it's the ultimate fusion of convenience, comfort, and tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 large Green bell pepper, diced
• 14 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1.5 cups Gluten-free masa harina (corn flour)
• 1.25 cups Water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Gluten-free baking powder
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 4

Stir in the green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free masa harina, gluten-free baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the water or chicken broth while mixing to form a smooth batter. Stir in the melted butter until incorporated.

Step 6

Spread the masa mixture evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–35 minutes, or until the masa layer is firm and golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1873.5 grams (1873.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3191

Total Fat 217.20g	278%
Saturated Fat 102.70g	514%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 625mg	208%
Sodium 4372mg	190%
Total Carbohydrate 193.20g	70%
Dietary Fiber 25.30g	90%
Total Sugars 20.90g
Protein 133.60g	267%

Vitamin D 36IU	180%
Calcium 1703mg	131%
Iron 21mg	115%
Potassium 3130mg	67%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.9%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 23.7%