Easy Tamale Pie

Ingredients

2 TB oil
1 onion, minced
2-3 TB chili powder
kosher salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef, 90% lean
15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
15 oz cornbread mix, plus any required ingredients listed on the package

Optional garnishes: Fresh Tomato Salsa, sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese

Directions

Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and heat oven to 450F

In a 12 inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat, warm up the oil until hot. Add onion, chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt and cook just until onion is soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 more seconds.

Stir in ground beef, drained beans, and drained tomatoes. Cook and break up the meat with a spatula until fully browned, about 5 min. Off heat, stir in cheese. Season with kosher salt to taste. Add more chili powder if desired. Smooth beef mixture into an even layer in the skillet.

According to package instructions, mix the cornbread batter. Spread cornbread batter evenly on top of the beef mixture in skillet.

Bake until edges are golden brown, approx. 15 minutes. Check center of cornbread for doneness. If needed, cover loosely with foil and bake another 5 minutes or until center is cooked through. Let rest at room temperature 10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.