Ingredients

3 slices bacon
16 canned beef tamales , cut into 2-inch pieces
4 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cups whole kernel corn , drained
2 cups canned tomatoes , drained
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup stuffed green olives
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Oklahoma Tamale Casserole is a Tex-Mex dish that has a unique blend of flavors that can make your taste buds sing. This casserole is the perfect combination of tender beef tamales, succulent chicken, tender corn, and juicy tomatoes blended with spices to create a mouthwatering dish. Traditionally, this dish is made in a casserole dish with layers of tamales, meat, and cheese. It is then baked to perfection to give it a cheesy and crispy texture. The addition of raisins and olives provides a sweet and salty balance to the dish, making it more flavorful. This dish is a crowd pleaser and is perfect for a family feast or a potluck dinner.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and brown. Remove from pan, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
3.Add tamales to the skillet with bacon drippings and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the chicken, corn, tomatoes, raisins, olives, chili powder, salt, and butter. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4.Add chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, and stir again to mix everything well.
5.Bring mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove from heat.
6.Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the tamale mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7.Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the tamale mixture, and then sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
8.Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

PROS

Oklahoma Tamale Casserole is a perfect comfort food that can satisfy the hunger of a family in one go.

It is incredibly delicious, easy to make, and can be customized with different ingredients based on availability.

It is a perfect dish to be made ahead and can easily be reheated for serving.

CONS

It is a calorie-dense dish and may not be suitable for individuals who are trying to watch their weight.
It is high in sodium content, so individuals who are on a low-sodium diet should consume it accordingly.
The raisins and olives may not be liked by everyone, but they can be easily substituted with other ingredients.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is an excellent source of protein as it combines beef and chicken. It is also rich in carbs and healthy fats owing to the tamales and cheese used in it. The corn and tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber that aid in digestion and support the immune system. Olives are a good source of healthy fats that support brain function, while raisins are full of antioxidants that help in fighting inflammation in the body.

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