double crust tamale casserole

How To Make double crust tamale casserole

• Step 1
  Gather and prep ingredients.
• Step 2
  In a large skillet, over medium/medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onions until no pink remains.
• Step 3
  Add pressed/minced garlic; cook additional 30 seconds.
• Step 4
  Remove from heat, drain well, then return meat to skillet. (I drain in a wire mesh colander placed over a bowl.)
• Step 5
  Add taco seasoning mix, a pinch of salt and pepper and the water.
• Step 6
  Bring to a simmer over medium/medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Lower heat and allow to slightly simmer until liquid has thickened (just a few minutes.)
• Step 7
  Cover and remove from heat, or keep on very low heat, until needed.
• Step 8
  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 7"x11" baking dish with butter flavored cooking oil spray. Set aside.
• Step 9
  For the cornbread crust, mix together egg and milk in a medium mixing bowl (I use a serving spoon for mixing.)
• Step 10
  Stir in the corn muffin mix until combined and no large lumps remain, then stir the melted butter.
• Step 11
  Add 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese and minced jalapeno pepper (if using.) Stir until evenly distributed in the batter.
• Step 12
  Drop dollops of batter into prepared baking dish, using about 1/3, but no more than 1/2 of the batter.
• Step 13
  Using the back of your spoon, do your best to gently spread batter to cover the bottom of the dish (layer will be very thin, but will puff up and fill in as it bakes.)
• 
  Step 14
  Bake in oven preheated to 400 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes.
• 
  Step 15
  Remove from oven. Evenly spoon meat mixture over crust, then distribute about 1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over meat.
• 
  Step 16
  Dollop spoonsful of the remaining batter on top, then use the spoon to carefully spread the batter over all (it doesn't need to be perfect.)
• 
  Step 17
  Scatter about 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the batter.
• 
  Step 18
  Bake in oven preheated to 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes.
• 
  Step 19
  Slice and serve individual portions with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, sour cream and your favorite salsa on top or on the side.
• 
  Step 20
  Cover and refrigerate leftovers. Reheat individual portions for 1 1/2 minutes on 1/2 power in microwave.
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