Skillet Beef Tamales

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with the irresistible flavors of Skillet Beef Tamales—an easy, one-pan spin on traditional tamales! This hearty recipe layers spiced ground beef, a savory masa harina crust, and gooey melted cheese all in a single oven-safe skillet, making it perfect for busy days. Bold seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika elevate the beef, while the masa topping bakes to golden perfection for a tender, fluffy texture. With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, you'll have a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that's bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor. Serve it straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro, for a family-friendly meal that's as convenient as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1.25 cups masa harina
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef or chicken broth. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and smooth the beef mixture into an even layer.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted butter and warm water, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 6

Spoon the masa dough over the beef mixture in the skillet, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the masa layer.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the masa topping is set and lightly golden.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your skillet beef tamales!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1487.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2080.5

Total Fat 157.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 534.1mg	0%
Sodium 5115.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 10.2g
Protein 113.1g	0%

Vitamin D 45IU	0%
Calcium 1006.4mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 1612.2mg	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: 66.4%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 12.4%