Quick Tamale Pie

I love Tamale Pie, but my recipe feeds an army. If you aren't ready for Tuna Tamale Pie, how about the real thing? All it takes are 2 packets of Tex-Mex Meat Mixture from the previous post, cornmeal, butter, cheese, salt and pepper.

Heat the Tex-Mex Meat Mixture in a small pan on medium heat. If it is dry, add diced tomatoes or tomatoes juice until it is a thin chili. Bring to a simmer.

While the meat is warming, boil 1-1.5 cups of water in a small sauce pan. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it is boiling, stir in 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal. Stir constantly and let the mush thicken. When it is the consistency of thin gravy, remove from heat. Stir in about 1 tsp. butter. (Cook longer if you want a stiffer mush on the pie.)

Butter a 1 quart baking dish. Add the meat mixture. Pour the cornmeal on top.  Bake at 350 degrees about 30 minutes (until mush is thick and filling is bubbling). Remove from oven, sprinkle with grated cheese and return to oven to melt the cheese,

Serves 2.