Momsmom's Black Bean Tamale Chili

Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with "Momsmom's Black Bean Tamale Chili," a hearty dish that combines the bold flavors of traditional chili with the irresistible fluffiness of a tamale-inspired topping. This one-pot wonder features tender black beans, seasoned ground beef, and a perfectly spiced tomato-based broth, enriched with chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin for a warm and smoky depth. The true star, however, is the golden cornbread-like topping made from a simple cornmeal batter that cooks right on the chili, soaking up all those savory flavors. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve with optional toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a customizable finish that will have everyone going back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each), rinsed and drained Black beans
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 cups Beef broth
• 2 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (adjust to taste) Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 2 tbsp, melted Butter
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 0 to taste Optional toppings (cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and rinsed black beans. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

While the chili simmers, prepare the tamale topping: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, melted butter, sugar, and baking powder until smooth.

Step 7

Once the chili has simmered, drop spoonfuls of the tamale batter evenly over the surface of the chili. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the tamale batter is cooked through and fluffy.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the chili into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a portion of the tamale topping. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1880.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2369.2

Total Fat 126.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 427.9mg	0%
Sodium 5770.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 213.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.7g	0%
Total Sugars 39.1g
Protein 105.8g	0%

Vitamin D 64.2IU	0%
Calcium 661.1mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 3213.3mg	0%

*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: 47.1%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 35.4%