Skillet Beef Tamales
Looking for a quick, cheesy dinner that the whole family will love? These skillet beef tamales are an irresistible twist on the classic, blending tender beef, colorful peppers, and a delicious salsa base.
With the addition of corn tortillas and melted cheddar, every bite is packed with flavor. This easy one-skillet meal comes together in no time and will quickly become a family favorite.
Best of all, it’s a healthier take on comfort food, so you can indulge without the guilt. Serve it up with a dollop of fat-free sour cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Skillet Beef Tamales Ingredients
Lean ground beef provides the hearty foundation of this dish, offering rich, savory flavor while staying on the lighter side. Sweet red and green peppers add vibrant color and a mild crunch, balancing the beef with their fresh, earthy sweetness.
Salsa infuses the dish with a zesty kick, enhancing the savory depth of the beef while the corn brings a natural sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the tortillas. Reduced-fat cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the top, delivering a creamy finish. Fat-free sour cream serves as the cooling contrast to this flavorful, satisfying meal.
Skillet Beef Tamales: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Recipe Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef for a Healthier Twist
To keep this dish on the lighter side without sacrificing flavor, opt for lean ground beef, like 90% lean. It provides the rich, savory taste you crave but with less fat. If you prefer, you can also substitute ground turkey for a lower-calorie version while maintaining the savory depth. - Customize the Veggies
Feel free to mix up the peppers in this recipe to suit your family’s preferences. For a spicier version, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the salsa. You could also swap in diced onions or zucchini for added texture and flavor. - Make It Ahead of Time
This skillet beef tamale dish is perfect for meal prep! If you’re short on time, you can make the beef and veggie mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it up, add the tortilla strips, and finish with cheese.
What to Serve with Skillet Beef Tamales
- Mexican Rice
A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the Skillet Beef Tamales. The rice will help soak up any excess salsa and add a comforting, starchy side to balance out the dish. - Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
To enhance the vibrant flavors, serve a bowl of fresh guacamole alongside crispy tortilla chips. The creamy guacamole complements the heat from the salsa, and the crunch of the chips adds a satisfying texture to the meal. - Crisp Green Salad
A refreshing green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette is the perfect side to cut through the richness of the tamales. Toss together leafy greens, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a light, flavorful accompaniment.
FAQ: Skillet Beef Tamales
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. The flavors of the salsa and veggies will still shine through regardless of the meat choice. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use corn tortillas labeled as gluten-free. Some corn tortillas may contain trace amounts of gluten, so be sure to check the packaging. - Can I freeze Skillet Beef Tamales for later?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. After cooking, allow the tamale mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it up before adding the cheese and sour cream. - Can I make the tortilla strips ahead of time?
While the tortilla strips are best made fresh for optimal texture, you can cut and prepare them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to add to the dish when you’re ready to cook.
Skillet Beef Tamales
Ingredients
- 1 pound of lean ground beef 90% lean
- 3/4 cup of frozen corn
- 6 corn tortillas 6 inches, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1/3 cup of chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/3 cup of chopped green pepper
- 2 cups of salsa
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 3/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 5 tablespoons of fat-free sour cream
Instructions
- In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, heat the ground beef and chopped peppers over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Crumble the beef and drain any excess fat.
- Add the salsa, corn, and water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the tortilla strips, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the tortillas to soften.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve the dish with a generous dollop of fat-free sour cream for added richness and flavor.
