Hot Tamale Bake

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 small onions
• ½ medium green pepper, chopped
• 3 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
• 1 can (16 ounces) whole tomatoes
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans
• 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed dried chilies
• ¼ teaspoon garlic
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded lettuce

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix 1 cup cornmeal and the cold water in a 2-quart saucepan.
3. Stir in the boiling water, butter, and 1 teaspoon salt.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles; reduce heat.
5. Cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Spread evenly over the bottom and sides of a greased 3-quart casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
8. While the cornmeal crust is baking, prepare the filling: cook and stir ground beef over medium heat until light brown, draining if necessary.
9. Stir in onions, green pepper, 3 tablespoons cornmeal, the tomatoes with liquid, drained beans, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, chilies, and garlic.
10. Pour filling into the crust and sprinkle with cheese.
11. Bake uncovered until bubbly, about 35 minutes.
12. Serve on lettuce in bowls.