Easy Skillet Tamale Pie

This Easy Skillet Tamale Pie is a favorite around our house!  The thing I love about it so much is how versatile this recipe can be.  You can add corn, beans, onions, jalapeno peppers, anything you like to make it fit your family’s taste.  This weekend I made it very plain since my kiddos all had colds and weren’t much into spiciness.  I love pouring chili over my cornbread too and adding some cheese to the top.  This recipe can be changed up to fit really anything you like!  Have fun with it and get creative.  Don’t forget to share your creations with us all!

Cornbread

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 small cans diced green chiles (4.5 ounce can)
• 1 can of creamed corn

Topping

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 small cans tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese

Get to cooking: 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder,  salt, milk and eggs. Gently fold in chiles and corn. Pour into large cast iron skillet. Bake until set (a toothpick should come out clean), about 25-30 minutes.
3. While cornbread is baking, brown ground beef with onion and garlic then drain.  Place back on stove and simmer on medium heat while adding tomato sauce and spices.
4. Once cornbread is done baking, carefully remove from oven and reduce oven to 350 degree F.
5. Poke holes in cornbread with the blunt end of a wooden spoon and pour ground beef mixture over it. Top with shredded cheese and bake in oven for 15-20 minutes.
6. Carefully remove from oven and place on heat resistant surface.
7. Serve and enjoy!