Spoon Bread Tamale Pie

Submitted by Jill Johnston

"One of favourite comfort food! Flavourful meat base with smooth cheesy spoon bread topping - yum. I don't know where the recipe came from but it's been with me for more than 30 years. I like to double the topping for a real comforting meal. The dish can be prepared and stored in the fridge ready to pop into the oven for a delicious after work meal."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1⁄2 cup chopped green pepper
• garlic
• salt
• pepper
• 26 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 12 ounces canned corn
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup water
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1⁄4 lb grated cheese
• 2 eggs

directions

1. Brown the meat, sauté the onions and peppers. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, tomatoes, corn and chili powder and simmer for 5 minute Stir in 1/2 c cornmeal and 1 c water. Transfer to a casserole dish.
2. Heat the milk with the 1 tsp salt and butter and stir in 1/2 c cornmeal. Cook until thick. Stir in the cheese and beaten eggs. Pour over the meat mixture.
3. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour or until he topping is cooked to a cake-like consistency.

Reviews

[toomuchlaundry]

Was ok but very bland. I used cheddar cheese and couldn't taste it at all. The cornbread topping did not remind me at all of a tamale but more like a pancake. For leftovers I put salsa on the plate then the pie then topped with more cheese and reheated.

 

[Stovepipe]

Definitely mix in sliced black olives to the cornbread topping, if possible! This looks the old family favorite recipe of ours (except for the olives). Great comfort food for winter, and you can also use ground chicken or turkey.