Tamale Pie

Tamales are one of my favorite foods, good tamales. I think that comes from growing up in Southern Colorado, my brother tells me that we had some neighbors that made really, really good Mexican food. I also had a friend in Washington State that had me help her make these fabulous tamales one day. Since I am the only in my family who really loves tamales I have not been willing to take the time to make them since they are very labor intensive. Just after I got married I found this recipe in Betty Crocker and it is a fall back recipe for me, my family puts up with it once in awhile. I was craving tamales so I turned to this..

Tamale Pie

1 lb. lean ground beef
¼ lb. bulk pork sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 16 oz. can of whole tomatoes
1 16 oz. can of whole kernel corn, drained
1 16 oz. can pitted black olive, drained, save a few for the top
1 ½-3 t. chili powder (depending on how hot you like it)
1 tsp. salt
1 c. cornmeal
1 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Cook and stir pork, hamburger, onion, and garlic until meat is browned. Add tomatoes, corn olives, chili powder, and salt. Heat thoroughly. Pour into a two quart casserole or a square baking pan.

Mix cornmeal, eggs, and milk; pour over the meat mixture. Top with the cheese. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with sour cream and remaining olives.