Tamale Pie

Have you ever had a tamale?  They’re pretty delicious, right?  Well, I think they are.  The only issue I have with them is what a pain they are to make.  You make the dough, spread it on some corn husks, make some filling, fill the dough, roll them, steam them, unroll them…. you get the point.  Maybe it’s really not *that* much work, but I’m a lazy cook.  When it’s dinner time, I want to just throw some stuff together and be done with it.  I’m always looking for shortcuts.  My friend Megan had posted this recipe for Tamale Pie from Eat2Gather on Facebook, and I knew instantly that I had to make it!

How was it?  It was pretty amazing, actually.  Imagine if a tamale and a shepherd’s pie fell in love and had a baby.  This would be that baby.  It’s pretty easy to throw together, but the taste is phenomenal.  You all should go make it for dinner tonight.  You should also invite me to dinner tonight!!

Tamale Pie

1 Pound Ground Beef (Ground Turkey or Chicken Would Work, Too!)
1 Onion, Diced
1 Can Black Beans, Drained
1 Can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
1 Tbsp Chili Seasoning
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Oregano
1 Cup Cornmeal
3 Cups Water
Another 1 Tbsp Chili Seasoning
1 Cup Shredded Cheese
Salt and Pepper, To Taste

Preheat oven to 375F.

Brown the meat and the onion in a skillet.  Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili seasoning, cumin, and oregano.  Add salt and pepper to taste and let mixture simmer about five minutes.

Bring three cups of water to a boil (You can salt it if you want!) and whisk in the cornmeal and the other tablespoon of chili seasoning.  Cook until thick. It won’t take long!

Pour the meat mixture into a prepared pan, spread the cornmeal on the top, and sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornmeal crusts and the cheese melts.

Serve hot and enjoy!

For a printable version of this recipe, click here!!!