Tamale Lentil Casserole

From best of baking. I love the taste of tamales. Great for the health consious!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  large onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 1  small green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
• 2  cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3  cups water
• 1 1⁄4 cups dried lentils, sorted and rinsed
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (1 1/4ounce) package  taco seasoning mix

• Cheese Cornbread Topping

• 1⁄2 cup  shredded cheddar cheese (, 2 ounces)
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1 (8 1/2ounce) package  cornbread-muffin mix
• 1 (8 1/2ounce) can  cream-style corn
• 1  large egg

Directions

1. Heat oil in 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic in oil, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in water, lentils, tomato sauce and seasoning mix; reduce heat to low.
4. Partially cover and simmer 35 to 40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Heat oven to 400F.
6. Grease 2-quart casserole with shortening.
7. Prepare Cheese Cornbread Topping by mixing all ingredients until moistened.
8. Spoon lentil mixture into casserole.
9. Spread topping evenly over lentil mixture.
10. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes until topping is golden brown.