TAMALE PIE MIX UP

 Tamale Pie Mix-up

 Active Time

35 Mins

Total Time 1 Hour 40 Mins

Yield

8 (serving size: about 1 cup)

Looking for an easy, one-pan way to feed a crowd? This homey, comforting casserole will fit the bill nicely. Ground beef, cornmeal, tomato sauce, and corn combine with a layer of gooey cheese to make a hearty take on tamale pie, minus the layers. Serve this dish with a big green salad and dinner is done!

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk

1 cup plain yellow cornmeal

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 2 medium onions)

How to Make It

Step 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together milk and cornmeal; set aside.

Step 2 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8 to 9 minutes. Add

    

 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)

1 large green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 pound ground beef

2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup frozen or drained canned corn

1 cup cup drained canned sliced black olives

2 tablespoons plus 1 tsp. chili powder

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

6 ounces extra- sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Sour cream (optional)

Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

beef; cook, stirring often, until meat crumbles and is no longer pink, about 7 minutes.

Step 3 Stir beef mixture into cornmeal mixture. Stir in tomato sauce, corn, olives, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Transfer to a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.

Step 4 Bake in preheated oven until set and well browned around edges, 55 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven, and bake until cheese melts, 3 to 4 minutes. If desired, top servings with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with cilantro.