Tamale Pie and Amazing Corn Bread

Another great recipe that my mom made growing up. This is so easy to throw together and can be versatile too. The recipe calls for ground beef, I like to use ground turkey, but for all you vegetarians out there, I think this would be great without meat too. You can also use any corn bread you like but I always use my very favorite that my sister in law Adena gave me, you won't want to go back to anything else.

Tamale Pie

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tomato diced, I have also used petite diced canned tomatoes, about half the can
1 cup corn, I used frozen
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 t cumin
2-3 t chili powder
1/4 t oregano
1 cup grated cheese
1/2 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 of corn bread recipe that follows

Simmer beans, vegetables, and spices for 10 minutes. Stir in the cheese and cooked beef. Prepare corn bread. Put bean mixture in greased 9x9 square pan, top with corn bread batter. Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes or just until corn bread is cooked. Garnish with sour cream if desired.

Corn Bread

1 cup flour
3 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 T oil

Mix well. Put batter into a greased 9x9 square pan. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. If using on Tamale Pie, only use half of this recipe.