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Tamales Ala King: A Southwestern Comfort Classic

The aroma of tamales always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Christmas, she’d spend days meticulously preparing dozens of them, the air thick with the scent of corn husks, spices, and simmering meat. While her tamales were traditionally served steamed, this Tamales Ala King recipe adds a creamy, cheesy twist that’s reminiscent of the comforting casseroles I grew up with – a delightful fusion of flavors that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 (9×13 inch) casserole
Dietary Type: Not specified (can be modified; see variations)

Ingredients

24 tamales (canned or homemade, your preference)
1 cup onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can ripe olives, sliced
2 (10 ounce) cans Chicken A ‘La King (by Swanson)
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch casserole dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
Prepare your casserole dish. No greasing is necessary, as the tamales and sauce will prevent sticking.
Arrange the tamales in the prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. If using canned tamales, drain them well before layering. You should be able to fit two rows of twelve tamales each. Make sure they are snug, but not overly crowded.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped green chilies and sliced ripe olives. Mix well. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the layer of tamales. Distributing the chilies and olives consistently will ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.
In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), combine the two cans of Chicken A ‘La King and the can of evaporated milk. Stir until thoroughly mixed. The evaporated milk adds a richness and creaminess to the sauce that really elevates the dish.
Carefully pour the Chicken A ‘La King and evaporated milk mixture evenly over the tamales and the chili-olive mixture. Ensure all the tamales are coated with the sauce. Use a spatula to spread the sauce if needed.
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix the cheeses together to get a nice combination of sharp and mild flavors.
Generously sprinkle the mixed cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, bubbly topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Spice it up: If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the Chicken A ‘La King mixture.
Homemade touch: While canned tamales work perfectly well, using homemade tamales will elevate this dish to another level.
Cheese boost: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese would be delicious additions.
Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Prevent burning: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Tamales Ala King hot, directly from the casserole dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch. It pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or some refried beans.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. Reheating in the oven will help retain the texture of the tamales.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the tamales and the sauce may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	264 kcal	13%
Total Fat	14 g	18%
Saturated Fat	8 g	40%
Cholesterol	50 mg	17%
Sodium	650 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	20 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	7%
Sugars	5 g	–
Protein	15 g	30%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the Chicken A ‘La King with a vegetarian or mushroom based creamy sauce. You can even create your own creamy vegetable sauce with mushrooms, peas, and carrots.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the canned tamales are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Also ensure the Chicken A ‘La King sauce is gluten-free, check the label carefully.
Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños to the green chili and olive mixture for a spicier kick.
Healthier Option: Use low-fat evaporated milk and reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on the fat content.
Homemade A ‘La King: For a more homemade taste, you can make your own Chicken A ‘La King sauce from scratch using chicken broth, cream, mushrooms, peas, and diced chicken.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use homemade tamales instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Homemade tamales will add a richer flavor and texture to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked before assembling the casserole.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.

Q: What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
A: You can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as creamy. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.

Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese would be delicious additions.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

Tamales Ala King is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious fusion of cultures and flavors, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will warm both your heart and your taste buds. I’d love to hear about your personal twist on this recipe, so share your creations and feedback – happy cooking!

Tamales Ala King Recipe