Tasty Tamale Pie Casserole

Ingredients

FILLING

• 1 lb lean ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 16 ounces bottled salsa
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 (7/8 ounce) packet taco seasoning, Chi Chi's Fiesta is my preference
• 3 ounces chopped ripe olives

CRUST

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 4 ounces green chili peppers, diced
• 1 cup monterey jack pepper cheese, divided, grated, sub. cheddar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 jalapeno, sliced

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°.

2. 2

   Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet until beef is browned, drain.

3. 3

   Stir in salsa, water and taco seasoning packet; bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to low and stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Add olives and stir.

5. 5

   In a medium sauces pan: combine cornmeal, evaporated milk, green chilies, 1/2 C cheese and salt. cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.

6. 6

   In a 9x13 ungreased baking dish: Spoon in meat filling, then spread cornmeal on top of meat mixture.

7. 7

   Bake for 25 minutes, sprinkle with remaining cheese and garnish w/ jalapenos. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.