Weeknight dinners can be a challenge, especially when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Tamales offer a versatile base for numerous creative and speedy meals. Here are some tamale-inspired recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
Quick Tamale Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 Dozen tamales, sliced
 - 1 cup of salsa
 - 1 cup of shredded cheese
 - 1 cup of mixed vegetables (corn, black beans, bell peppers)
 - Fresh cilantro for garnish
 
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
 - Layer sliced tamales in the bottom of a baking dish.
 - Spread salsa evenly over the tamales.
 - Sprinkle mixed vegetables and shredded cheese on top.
 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
 - Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
 
This casserole combines the rich flavors of tamales with the convenience of a one-dish meal, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Tamale Tacos
Ingredients:
- Tamales
 - Corn or flour tortillas
 - Shredded lettuce
 - Diced tomatoes
 - Sour cream
 - Salsa
 
Instructions:
- Warm the tamales
 - Heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
 - Fill each tortilla with crumbled tamales.
 - Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a spoonful of salsa.
 
These tacos are a fun and easy way to enjoy tamales with a taco twist.
Tamale Bowl
Ingredients:
- Tamales, crumbled
 - Cooked rice or quinoa
 - Black beans
 - Corn
 - Diced avocado
 - Salsa
 - Lime
 
Instructions:
- Warm the tamales and crumble them.
 - In a bowl, layer the rice or quinoa, black beans, corn, and crumbled tamales.
 - Top with diced avocado and a spoonful of salsa.
 - Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before serving.
 
A tamale bowl is a wholesome and customizable meal that can be made in minutes.
Tamale-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, halved and seeded
 - Tamales, crumbled
 - Shredded cheese
 - Salsa
 - Fresh cilantro
 
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
 - Fill each bell pepper half with crumbled tamales.
 - Top with shredded cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
 - Place in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
 - Garnish with fresh cilantro
 
Tamale-stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious way to enjoy tamales.
Tamale One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients:
- Tamales, sliced
 - Bell peppers, sliced
 - Onions, sliced
 - Olive oil
 - Salt and pepper
 - Shredded cheese
 
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
 - Add sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until they begin to soften.
 - Add sliced tamales and cook until heated through.
 - Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 - Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover until the cheese melts.
 
This one-pan dinner is a quick, all-in-one meal.
Tamale Soup
Ingredients:
- Tamales, crumbled
 - Chicken or vegetable broth
 - Diced tomatoes
 - Corn
 - Black beans
 - Chopped cilantro
 - Lime
 
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
 - Add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
 - Stir in crumbled tamales and reduce heat to simmer.
 - Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime.
 
Tamale soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cooler evenings.
Tamale Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
 - Tamales, crumbled
 - Shredded cheese
 - Salsa
 - Sour cream
 
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
 - Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with shredded cheese.
 - Add tamales and more cheese on top.
 - Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
 - Serve with salsa and sour cream.
 
Tamale quesadillas are a quick and cheesy option that’s sure to be a hit.
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Order with Delia’s
With these tamale-inspired recipes, you can whip up quick, delicious, and satisfying dinners on even the busiest weeknights. From casseroles and tacos to bowls and quesadillas, there’s a dish for everyone. Enjoy the quick meals with Delia’s Tamales.
