Unlock the flavor of traditional beef tamales: step-by-step guide with red sauce

Indulge in the rich culinary tradition of Mexican cuisine with this comprehensive guide on how to make beef tamales with red sauce. These delectable tamales, wrapped in aromatic corn husks, are a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Masa:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Red Sauce:

• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Beef Filling:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Making the Masa:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, warm water, vegetable shortening, and salt.
2. Mix until a dough forms that is pliable and slightly sticky. If necessary, add more water or masa harina to achieve the desired consistency.

Assembling the Tamales:

1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes to soften them.
2. Spread a thin layer of masa onto the center of a corn husk.
3. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of the masa.
4. Fold the corn husk over the filling, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
5. Tie the tamales securely with kitchen twine or strips of corn husks.

Cooking the Tamales:

1. Fill a large steamer with water and bring to a boil.
2. Place the tamales in the steamer and steam for 2-3 hours, or until the masa is cooked through.

Preparing the Red Sauce:

1. In a blender, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Heat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Serving the Tamales:

1. Unwrap the tamales and serve them with the red sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or your favorite toppings.

The Finishing Touch: Enriching the Flavor

To enhance the taste of your beef tamales with red sauce, consider these tips:

• Use high-quality ground beef for a richer flavor.
• Experiment with different chili powders to create your desired level of heat.
• Add shredded cheese or sour cream to the filling for an extra layer of richness.
• Serve the tamales with a side of beans or rice for a complete meal.

Preserving the Culinary Delight

To preserve your beef tamales with red sauce for later enjoyment:

• Allow the tamales to cool completely before storing them.
• Wrap the tamales individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped tamales in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Store the tamales in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating the Delicacy

To reheat your beef tamales with red sauce:

• If refrigerated, thaw the tamales overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours.
• If frozen, thaw the tamales in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
• Steam the tamales for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

What You Need to Learn

1. How can I make the tamales gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free masa harina instead of regular masa harina.

2. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

• Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.

3. How do I know if the tamales are cooked through?

• Insert a toothpick into the center of a tamale. If the toothpick comes out clean, the tamales are cooked.

4. How can I make the red sauce spicier?

• Add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.

5. Can I make the tamales ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the tamales and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.