Looking for a quick and Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe? We have got you covered! Tamale pies are delicious and a personal favorite in my home. Although the steps in this recipe are simple, you can also add your own personal favorite ingredients and seasonings to make the tamale pie your own!
In just six steps, and with minimal tools, you will have a deliciously baked easy tamale pie with masa harina. It is not hard to use masa harina. You can easily prepare the masa for tamales as directed and it works as a pie crust of sorts! Perfect for beginners, you can't go wrong with this convenient family-friendly recipe.
Table of Contents
What Is Masa Harina?
Masa harina is a type of flour. Actually, the phrase 'masa harina' translates roughly to flour for dough from Spanish to English. It is a special type of flour that is used to make flour tortillas in countries like Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. Other than flour tortillas, you make tamales with masa harina.
How To Use Masa Harina
Using masa harina is easy! If you do not trust me, simply read the instructions on an unopened and new bag. Making your own dough out of masa harina powder only takes a few ingredients as well. Although you can add additional ingredients like milk or eggs, I only use water and a splash or hint of olive oil.
Mostly, people use masa harina when they are forming the dough into a flat pancake, like tortillas. However, tamales use the same dough masa and stuff the inside with delicious ingredients like cheese, frijoles (beans), vegetables, hot peppers, and more!
What Are Tamales?
Before we can learn how to make a delicious and easy tamale pie with masa harina, we need to know what tamales are. Well, in short, tamales is a holiday food made by pressing masa harina into a distinct shape. Tamales have a long and rich history, specifically in Mexico and Latin America.
Tamales were first served to the Gods as a sacrifice and only chiefs and other nobles were allowed to eat them. However, the Aztecs shortly realized the convenience and quickness of tamales. These pocket sized foods were great to carry around and enjoy.
What You Will Need To Make This Easy Tamale Pie With Masa Harina
Ingredients
- 1lb of lean ground beef
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 Cup of Beef or Pork Stock
- 8 oz of light tomato sauce
- 4-8oz of green chiles
- 2 cups of shredded cheese
- 3 jalapenos thinly sliced
- 2 cups of masa harina
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 brown egg
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 tablespoons of cumin
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of coriander
Equipment
- 2 Large Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- Oven
- Baking Pan
- Stove Top
- Large pan to cook meat
- Cutting board
- Cutting Knife
- Clean working space
Step by Step Instructions To Make This Easy Tamale Pie With Masa Harina
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first step in this Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe is to focus on preparing the ingredients and setting up your equipment. Make sure that the pans are ready and prepped. The oven should also be preheated at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prepare the ingredients, you will need to clean the cutting board and slice the hot peppers, onions, and other garnishes like cilantro. Place these slices to the side for later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
On the stovetop, place a pan. Set the heat to a medium-low. In the pan, add the onions, half of the sliced peppers, all the seasonings, and the olive oil to the pan. As it simmers, add the ground beef. As it cooks, stir the meat.
Step 3: Mix the Masa
In a large glass bowl, start making the masa using the harina, the milk, butter, baking soda, and egg. I like to use a whisk as this gets the tough clumps of harina masa. However, you can use a spoon or fork to mix the dough or 'topping' of the tamale pie.
Step 4: Put Together the Tamale Pie
During the fourth step in this Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe, you will need to use the baking pan and the ingredients. In the masa, add the rest of the seasonings and the peppers. First, in the pan, add the ground beef with sprinkled cheese. On top of the beef, pour the masa so that it covers the meat.
Step 5: Bake at 375 Degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes
In the fifth step of this Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe, it is important to only place the tamale pie when the oven is done pre-heating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake this tamale pie for about 25-30 minutes, or until the masa and dough rise.
Step 6: Garnish with Toppings, Serve, and Enjoy!
After the 25-30 minutes are over, you can garnish as you would like! Cut the tamale pie into thick slices and serve with friends and family.
Tips And Tricks For Our Easy Tamale Pie With Masa Harina
This Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe is quick and great for beginners. I do not have a lot of advice that can help you make our Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe. Instead, storing these delicious slices has never been easier. Store the slices in an air tight container in a cool refrigerator.
Serving And Preparation Time
|
Cook Time |
Preparation Time |
Serving Size |
|
1 Hour |
10-20 Minutes |
8 slices or 1 whole pie |
What do you think about our family-friendly recipe? Can you see yourself trying to make this tamale pie your own way? Keep in mind, that the ingredients are subject to change! As long as you use masa harina, a type of corn flour, you can use whatever toppings and stuffing ingredients.
Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comment section below! We would love to hear what you think about this quick and easy tamale pie with masa harina recipe. Do you know anyone who wants to make a tamale inspired dish? Send them this recipe to continue spreading the knowledge!
FAQs
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- The first step in this Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe is to focus on preparing the ingredients and setting up your equipment. Make sure that the pans are ready and prepped. The oven should also be preheated at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To prepare the ingredients, you will need to clean the cutting board and slice the hot peppers, onions, and other garnishes like cilantro. Place these slices to the side for later.
- On the stovetop, place a pan. Set the heat to a medium-low. In the pan, add the onions, half of the sliced peppers, all the seasonings, and the olive oil to the pan. As it simmers, add the ground beef. As it cooks, stir the meat.
- In a large glass bowl, start making the masa using the harina, the milk, butter, baking soda, and egg. I like to use a whisk as this gets the tough clumps of harina masa. However, you can use a spoon or fork to mix the dough or 'topping' of the tamale pie.
- During the fourth step in this Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe, you will need to use the baking pan and the ingredients. In the masa, add the rest of the seasonings and the peppers. First, in the pan, add the ground beef with sprinkled cheese. On top of the beef, pour the masa so that it covers the meat.
- In the fifth step of this Easy Tamale Pie with Masa Harina recipe, it is important to only place the tamale pie when the oven is done pre-heating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake this tamale pie for about 25-30 minutes, or until the masa and dough rise.
- After the 25-30 minutes are over, you can garnish as you would like! Cut the tamale pie into thick slices and serve with friends and family.
