Tamale Casserole

[harmonic_tabby]

This recipe is an adaptation of one I found on General Mills website.  I decided it was entirely too finicky, so I played around with it and ended up with this pot of yummy.  With a side salad, it will easily serve 5 or 6 people.  You can think of this as mexican polenta, if you like.   

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cornmeal
3/4 cup masa harina ground corn flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 oz. package taco seasoning
1 1/2 cup hot water
1 cup cold water
1 pound ground beef or bulk sausage
2 cans diced tomatoes (14 oz) in juice
1 can whole kernal corn (15 oz) drained
1 can pitted black olives (15 oz) drained and sliced
1 onion (white or yellow) chopped

Measure the corn meals, salt and taco seasoning into your large casserole.  Mix in the 1 cup cold water and stir well.  Add the canned tomatoes and stir again.  Then add the 'hot' water and the corn, olives and onion.  Mix and then add the raw meat (which I pinch into hazelnut sized pieces) and mix well again.  Add the cover to the casserole and put into a 350F degree oven for 90 minutes.  Remove and let set for 15-20 minutes before serving. 

There are several variations available.  You could use a package of frozen corn kernals.  I frequently use 1 1/2 pound of sausage since that's the size package my hubby brings home.  You can substitute a can of cooked black beans for the corn.  You could also add the black beans and NOT include the chopped onion, as I know some folks don't digest onion well.  I actually use a package of fajita seasoning but I'm sure you could substitute your own seasoning mix instead.  And if you really wanted to make italian polenta; use a blend of italian seasonings and italian sausage, leave out the corn and use cannellini beans. 

Leftovers reheat nicely and I enjoy serving those with a side of refried beans and few spoons of pico de gallo.  

Tabs

Comments

another variation

[harmonic_tabby]

I'm going to make this today and use already cooked chicken as the meat of choice. I've got half a roast chicken to bone out and dice. I've never actually tried using cooked leftovers for this recipe, so experiment for me!!