Tamale Pie - Taco meat (part 2)

Ok... so, I said I had a three part use for taco meat. I'm going to give you the recipe for tamale pie. It is one of my all time favorite meals! I love tamales, but have no idea how to make them. So, tamale pie fills that gap for me.

Tamale Pie

Corn meal crust
4 c. cold water
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
2 c. yellow corn meal

In saucepan over medium heat combine the above ingredients. Cook about 15 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Press into a 9x13” pan.

Mix the following ingredients:
1 lb taco meat
14 oz can tomatoes
2 oz can green chilis (opt’l)
1 c. creamed corn
1 Tbsp. minced dried onions
1 Tbsp. chili powder

Pour meat-tomato mix over corn meal crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. When out of oven, top with 1 c. grated cheese.

Notes about recipe: Because one in our family is allergic to milk products, I top each individual plate with cheese instead of doing the whole tamale pie. That way if there are leftovers, the allergy eater can have leftovers without the cheese too.