Tamale Pie

I saw a recipe for Mexican Tamal Casserole which inspire me to try a Tamale Pie.

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 2 pounds ground beef (I used 1 can of rinsed black beans for 1 pound of meat)
  
• 1 sweet onion, peeled and chopped (about 120 gr?)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup corn
• 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 4 or 7 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can)
• 1/2 cup (70g) chopped pimento-stuffed green olives (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 

Optional Chili Sauce:

3 or 4 dried ancho chiles

~1 cup of water

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:

• 2 1/4 cups corn flour (masa)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2+ cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  

 

Instructions:

1. Toast dried chilis for 15 to 20 seconds per side, until they’re soft, supple, and fragrant.
2. Transfer the chiles to a medium saucepan and add just enough water to barely cover them. 
3. Cover the pan and place it over medium heat. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer the chiles until they’ve rehydrated, 15 to 20 minute
4. Transfer the chiles and 1/2 cup (113g) of their cooking liquid to a blender. Add the oregano, cloves, and cinnamon and blend until smooth. Set the sauce aside
5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray two 9-inch pie pans, one 9 X 13 inch baking dish, or a 12-14 inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
6. Make the sauce if you are using it.
7. Place a large saute pan (or cast iron skillet) over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Brown the meat, then push it to the sides of the pan.
8. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onions have softened. 
9. Mix in the corn, crushed tomatoes, green chiles, cornstarch, chili powder, cumin, salt and cheese. Stir well and turn off the heat.
10. Meanwhile, mix the corn flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Add in the chicken broth and butter. Whisk until smooth. Then stir in the cheese.
11. Pour the meat filling into the prepared pans. 
12. .Pour (or scoop) the corn batter evenly over the top and spread to the edges of the pans. 
13. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the corn batter comes out clean. Serve warm!
     

 

Carole's Notes:

We liked this!

The recipe is adapted from  https://www.aspicyperspective.com/perfect-tamale-pie-recipe/