Tamale Round About

Discover the irresistible charm of "Tamale Round About," a creative twist on traditional tamales that's perfect for a hearty family dinner or a festive gathering. This baked tamale casserole combines a flavorful masa harina base with tender, spiced shredded chicken, smothered in zesty green chile sauce and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Layers of savory goodness are enhanced with optional sweet corn kernels for a delightful texture boost. With just a 30-minute prep time and the ease of baking in a single dish, this recipe delivers authentic tamale flavors without the need for wrapping and steaming. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it's a crowd-pleasing meal that brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Masa harina
• 1.5 cups Chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cups Lard or vegetable shortening
• 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup Green chile sauce
• 1 cup Grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 0.5 cup Corn kernels (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the chicken broth until the mixture forms a soft dough.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat lard or vegetable shortening until fluffy, then gradually mix it into the masa dough until well incorporated and smooth. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add shredded cooked chicken, chili powder, and cumin. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is evenly coated and warmed through.

Step 5

Spread half of the masa dough evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a smooth base layer.

Step 6

Layer the seasoned shredded chicken on top of the masa layer. Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the chicken and sprinkle with grated cheese and optional corn kernels.

Step 7

Spread the remaining masa dough over the chicken and cheese layer, smoothing it out to create a top layer.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the top layer.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, before cutting into slices and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1728.5 grams (1728.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2909

Total Fat 192.20g	246%
Saturated Fat 74.60g	373%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 618mg	206%
Sodium 5009mg	218%
Total Carbohydrate 101.40g	37%
Dietary Fiber 14.00g	50%
Total Sugars 11.20g
Protein 194.30g	389%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1099mg	85%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 2747mg	58%

*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: 59.4%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 13.9%