1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 large can (28 ounces) tomatoes, cut up
- 1 can (16 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained (I skip this, but most people like it)
- 1 small can (4 ounces) sliced ripe olives (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- dash black pepper
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Crust:
- 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Brown ground beef with onions and green pepper; drain well.
Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, corn, olives, garlic, sugar, salt, chili powder and black pepper.
Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or until thickened. Add cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Set filling aside.
In a saucepan, combine cornmeal, salt, water and chili powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Stir in butter.
Spread half of the mixture into a baking dish, about 12- x 8-inches. Spoon filling over bottom crust; spoon remaining cornmeal mixture over filling.
Bake at 375° for 45 minutes. If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over the crust
I will be printing this out and making it! I LOVE tamales!