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Beef Tamale Bites Recipe

Beef Tamale Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

These Beef Tamale Bites combine tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast seasoned with Mexican spices and chilies, layered on warm, flavorful masa dough squares and topped with a zesty cilantro crema. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they bring bold flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 beef Chuck Arm Roast (3 to 4 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1–1/2 cups beef stock
  • 5 cloves
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
  • 3 limes, juiced
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

Masa Dough

  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 1–1/2 cups masa harina
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Mix

Cilantro Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Sprinkle the beef chuck arm roast all over with 1/4 cup taco seasoning mix. Brown the roast on all sides in the hot oil to develop a deep, rich crust and flavor.
  2. Cook the Roast: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, beef stock, cloves, dried guajillo chiles, chopped cilantro, lime juice, orange zest and juice, and hot pepper sauce to the Dutch oven with the browned beef. Cover tightly and place in the oven. Cook for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) which indicates the beef is tender enough to shred easily. Remove the roast and let it stand to cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
  3. Make the Masa Dough: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups beef stock, masa harina, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 6 to 8 minutes until the mixture smooths and thickens slightly. This masa dough should hold together but be moist and pliable.
  4. Chill the Masa Dough: Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the masa mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm and cool enough to handle.
  5. Cut and Brown the Masa Pieces: Invert the chilled masa dough onto a cutting board. Cut into thirty-six 1-inch pieces. Spray a large skillet lightly with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Cook the masa pieces in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and lightly browned.
  6. Assemble the Tamale Bites: Top each masa piece with a generous portion of the shredded beef.
  7. Prepare the Cilantro Crema: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, thinly sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, juice of 1 lime, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
  8. Serve: Dollop each beef-topped masa bite with the cilantro crema. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest and freshness, if desired.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 200°F is ideal for tender shredding.
  • For a spicier version, increase the hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños to the beef braise.
  • Masa harina is a special corn flour used in tamales and can be found at Latin markets or online.
  • These bites can be prepared a day ahead; reheat masa pieces on the skillet and warm the beef before assembling.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tamale bites, Mexican appetizers, masa receta, slow cooked beef, party snacks, guajillo chile, cilantro crema

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/beef-tamale-bites-recipe/