Bear Tamale Pie (Tamale de Cazuela) Recipe

The rich taste of bear meat is perfect for tamale filling, and bear lard makes a fluffy, flavorful masa dough. Forming and steaming a pile of tamales, however, is a daylong process that I feel like doing only on special occasions. This baked tamale pie delivers a similar experience, but is much easier.

Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 20-30 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours

Step 1: Bear Meat Filling

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds bear meat, cut across the grain and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons bear lard (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-4 cups bear broth (or beef broth)
• Juice of 1 lime

Next, make the tamale dough.

Step 2: Make the Tamale Dough

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Masa Harina
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 12 tablespoons bear lard (cold and cut into pieces)
• 1 (4 1/2-ounce) can diced green chilis—or, if you're feeling frisky, 3 tablespoons roasted, chopped poblanos
• 2 cups broth

Optional Ingredients: 

• 3/4 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa or chile verde sauce