While living this new normal life, my thoughts of cooking are changing. My once passion for cooking is turning into a thing I dread daily. I am getting tired of making a mess, I am over cleaning the kitchen constantly, and quite honestly, I am sick of my own cooking! On top of that, when I place my weekly grocery order, I find out that the store is out of many of the items I requested.
And while it is so easy to be petty, there is much to be thankful for, though. We have food in our freezer and plenty in the pantry. We have not lacked for food on the table and in our bellies. My family is still healthy. We do not battle the loneliness of isolation because we have each other. No matter how much I complain about being in the kitchen, I am oh so thankful!
I found a handwritten recipe from my Aunt Janis last week. I knew, without a doubt, it would be delicious coming from my aunt. This recipe for Beef Tamale Pie seemed simple enough, and I almost had all the ingredients. Since I had no chili mix in the house, I substituted taco seasoning, and it was terrific! I cooked everything in one skillet, so I had minimal cleanup, which is always a plus.
*Note: My cousin, Regina, told me that she often puts chopped jalapeños in the corn meal mixture for a little extra zip! Sounds great to me!
Beef Tamale Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 envelope chili mix
- 1 (14.5-ounce can) petite diced tomatoes drained
- 1 (15.25-ounce can) whole kernel corn drained
- 1 cup self-rising yellow corn meal
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- In a large skillet brown the beef, drain.
- Add onions, bell pepper, salt, chili mix and tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in corn.
- In a bowl mix corn meal, shredded cheese and enough water for spreading consistency.
- Drop mixture by spoonfuls over beef mixture and slightly spread out.
- Bake 20 minutes or until the cornmeal mixture has browned.
- Serve warm with desired toppings.
WOW! I thought I was the only one that dreaded the clean up after cooking a meal. I have cooked more in the past two months than I have in five years collectively. I agree that it is nice to feed the family or those that may pop in, but being sixty-six and always feeling tired, I find myself fussing to myself. Anyway, Thank you for the recipe, I’m sure I will be making it sooner than later. You are a hero to many of us that follow. Stay safe. Love you.
Oh Judy, I love you so much! I think we are all in the same boat right now! Thank you for visiting NJSD!! Would love to see you!