Tamale Pie. . .

 

Last night was our Empty Nesters FHE and this is what I took.. .Tamale Pie.  I forgot the chili beans in this photo but I did remember them in the recipe that follows.  What's included in this photo: 1# browned lean ground beef, 1 med. onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 pkg taco seasoning, 1 pint jar of home canned Mexican tomatoes, cumin, cornmeal, cheese, and 1 can of black olives.

 When I add the chili beans I don't drain them because I like the gravy and sometimes the finished product is a bit too soupy for my taste so I sprinkle flour over the concoction and thicken the juices to a nice gravy.

It doesn't look so great in this photo but it is a good meal served with tortilla chips.  

Tamale Pie

Meat Mixture:

1 # lean ground beef

cumin and salt to your taste

1 pint home canned Mexican tomatoes OR 1 1/2 store Mexican tomatoes

1 pkg taco seasoning

1 med. onion, chopped fine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can chili beans, undrained if gravy is med to thick consistency, if gravy is thin then drain. (I really like Bush's chili beans with the medium gravy)  (gravy means sauce)

1 can olives

1 1/2 c. cheese or enough to cover top

Topping:

4 c. water, milk OR broth  (I use broth or bouillon)

1 c. cornmeal

Brown ground beef, add cumin & salt to your liking

Add & mix well:   home or store bought Mexican tomatoes 

                            taco seasoning, onion & garlic

Bring to a quick boil reduce heat &simmer about 15 mins. stirring occasionally

If the mixture is too soupy for your taste sprinkle a bit of flour over the top and stir till thickened.

Cornmeal Topping:

Place 4 c. water, milk, OR broth.  (I use chicken broth) on med heat

Add 1 c. cornmeal stirring constantly until the consistency you want. I cook my a bit thick and then thin it down to a bit smoother consistency with milk.

Place meat mixture in  casserole, pour cornmeal mixture over top and spread to cover, add cheese and micro  2-3 or until cheese is melted.  

Top with sliced olives.  Makes about 6-8 servings.