Skillet Tamale Pie (a.k.a. Cheapest Dinner Ever)
 
Prep time
Active time
Total time
 
Author:
Difficulty: Easy
Est. Cost: $7
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 15 -ounce can chili beans (do not drain)
  • 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, drained and finely chopped (a TAC suggestion)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream, plus more for serving
  • ½ cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • Optional: toppings, such as salsa, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
  1. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, chili powder and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Continue to cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the beans and chipotle.
  2. Whisk the eggs, sour cream and ½ cup water in a medium bowl. Add the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; stir until smooth. Stir in ½ cup cheddar.
  3. Pour the cornmeal mixture over the beef in the skillet; spread evenly. Transfer to the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and firm, 20 to 22 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar. Switch the oven to broil; broil until the cheese is browned and bubbling, 1 to 3 minutes. Serve with sour cream.
Recipe by The Amiable Cooks at https://theamiablecooks.com/skillet-tamale-pie-a-k-a-cheapest-dinner-ever/