06/09/2026
# Traditional Red Chile Holiday Tamales
These traditional red chile holiday tamales are a cherished comfort food, featuring soft, fluffy masa wrapped around tender shredded meat simmered in a rich red chile sauce. Made with dried chiles, aromatic spices, and savory broth, each tamale is packed with deep, authentic flavor and the unmistakable taste of homemade tradition.
Preparing tamales is more than a recipe—it's a family experience. From soaking corn husks and mixing masa to filling and folding each tamale, every step brings people together in the kitchen. The aroma of simmering chile sauce and steaming tamales creates a warm atmosphere that has become part of countless holiday celebrations and special gatherings.
Whether served during Christmas, family reunions, or festive occasions throughout the year, these tamales deliver hearty flavor, comforting texture, and a connection to generations of home cooking.
# # Ingredients
# # # For the Meat
* 10 pounds beef or pork (chuck roast, pot roast, short ribs, or similar cuts)
* 1 onion, quartered
* 1 whole head garlic
* 5 bay leaves
* 1/4 cup salt
* Water, as needed
# # # For the Red Chile Sauce
* 35 New Mexico or guajillo chile pods, stemmed and seeded
* 6 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
* 15 tomatillos
* 12 garlic cloves
* 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
* 5 teaspoons salt, or to taste
* 5 to 6 cups reserved broth from the cooked meat
# # # For the Masa
* 4.4 pounds Maseca for Tamales
* 24 ounces lard or vegetable shortening
* 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt
* 16 cups warm broth from the cooked meat, skimmed of excess fat
# # # For Assembly
* Soaked corn husks
* Plenty of patience and tradition
# # Instructions
# # # Prepare the Meat
1. Place the meat, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and enough water to cover in a large stockpot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily shredded.
3. Remove the meat from the broth and allow it to cool slightly.
4. Shred the meat into small pieces and reserve.
5. Strain and save the broth for the chile sauce and masa.
# # # Make the Red Chile Sauce
6. Rinse the dried chile pods and remove stems and seeds.
7. Place the New Mexico or guajillo chiles, ancho chiles, and tomatillos in a large pot. Cover with water and simmer until softened.
8. Transfer the softened ingredients to a blender.
9. Add the garlic cloves, cumin seeds, and 5 to 6 cups of reserved broth.
10. Blend until completely smooth.
11. Season with salt to taste.
12. Heat a small amount of oil in a large saucepan and strain the chile mixture into the pan.
13. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant.
14. Add the shredded meat and cook for an additional 10 minutes so the flavors can fully combine.
# # # Prepare the Masa
15. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Maseca, baking powder, and salt.
16. Gradually add the warm broth while mixing until the dough is evenly hydrated.
17. Add the lard or shortening and beat until the masa becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
18. Continue mixing until the masa develops a smooth texture and holds its shape.
# # # Assemble the Tamales
19. Lay a soaked corn husk flat with the smooth side facing upward.
20. Spread a layer of masa down the center of the husk, leaving a border around the edges.
21. Place a spoonful of the red chile meat filling in the center of the masa.
22. Fold both sides of the husk toward the center, enclosing the filling.
23. Fold the bottom end upward to secure the tamale.
24. Repeat with the remaining masa and filling.
# # # Steam the Tamales
25. Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket with the open ends facing upward.
26. Add water to the steamer base, ensuring the water does not touch the tamales.
27. Cover with extra corn husks or a damp kitchen towel.
28. Steam for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water as needed.
29. The tamales are done when the masa easily separates from the corn husk.
30. Allow the tamales to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
# # Notes
* Soak corn husks in warm water for at least 1 hour before assembling.
* The red chile filling can be made a day in advance for even deeper flavor.
* Properly mixed masa should float when a small piece is placed in water.
* Cooked tamales freeze exceptionally well and can be reheated by steaming.
* Tamales often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.