Step by Step Tamale Recipe Prepared in the Crockpot & Instant Pot

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole grain masa harina

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole grain masa harina is more nutritious, while cornmeal can be a budget-friendly substitute.

beef

🥗Healthier: lean ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Lean ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground beef can be more affordable.

Prepare the meat the night before in the crock pot.

Use 13 to 16 chile guajillos and 2 chile anchos, ensuring they are pliable and fresh.

Clean the chiles by removing the stems and seeds, cutting them into about one-inch pieces.

Toast the chiles in a skillet with about 1 tablespoon of manteca, starting with half an onion, then adding the chiles, and finally the garlic.

Add enough water (about 4 cups) to submerge the chiles and bring to a simmer.

Cut 6 to 7 pounds of chuck roast into chunks for the tamales.

Add the meat to the crock pot along with 3 to 4 tablespoons of chicken bouillon, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 8 peppercorns.

Blend the toasted chiles, onion, garlic, and meat mixture until smooth, adding water if necessary for blending.

Cook the blended mixture in the crock pot until the meat is tender and can be shredded.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: