Turn Canned Tamales Into A Comforting Casserole

Canned tamales may not be as flavorful and fresh as a homemade batch but that isn't to say they aren't worth a spot in your pantry. These cute little steamed packages of ground meat wrapped in masa dough can be enjoyed straight out of the can but if you have a few more minutes to spare, they're perfect for transforming into a comforting casserole with a few extras from the fridge, such as shredded cheese and sauce.

To get started remove the tamales from the can and unwrap them if required (some canned varieties are encased in wax paper). Then place half of your tamales in an oven-proof dish — feel free to cut them into pieces to make them fit better — and top them with a scattering of cheese, any extra vegetables of your choice, and a thick liquid ingredient, such as canned chili or enchilada sauce. You could even add a dollop of salsa verde made with cooked tomatillos and green chiles to amp up the flavor. Continue to layer up your casserole, just like a lasagna, until you've used up all your tamales. Make sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese and bake your creation in the oven until golden and bubbly. The result? A rich and satisfying meal that took moments to assemble but has a hearty texture and cozy vibe.

The awesome thing about a canned tamale casserole is the flexibility. For instance, go ahead and add in some leftover canned black beans from the fridge, layer in some fresh greens, or scatter the cheesy topping with several rounds of pickled jalapenos to give it a tangy kick. While sliced red onions and yellow kernels of corn are ideal for lending this speedy casserole some vibrant color and flavor you can even scatter in a handful of crispy ingredients, such as crushed tortilla chips, to elevate its texture. Feel free to sub the melty cheese for cotija and a smear of Mexican cream if preferred, or layer in some shredded chicken and cooked Mexican rice to bulk it out further. All this is to say that canned tamales are the affordable meal you need to stop sleeping on. If you have a batch of leftover homemade tamales in your fridge, you can use the same technique to revive them and create a brand-new meal for the family to enjoy.

If you haven't got any extra ingredients to turn your humble can into a casserole, make your canned tamales in the air fryer instead of warming them up in the microwave. This move will crisp up their exterior and give them a satisfying texture that has a filling mouthfeel.