Recipe: Lunchroom Tamale Pie
๐ Cook Time: 40 minutes
๐ Prep Time: 25 minutes
๐ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description:
Step back in time with this nostalgic Lunchroom Tamale Pie recipe, reminiscent of the classic school lunchroom favorite. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that evokes memories of childhood cafeteria lunches. With a savory meat filling topped with a cornmeal crust, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a taste of the past.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Grains, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Low Cholesterol, Free Of…, Potluck, Spicy, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 332.3
- Fat Content: 12.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 59.3mg
- Sodium Content: 897.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 38.1g
- Fiber Content: 5g
- Sugar Content: 3.7g
- Protein Content: 19.1g
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 9×13 inch casserole
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cornmeal | 2 cups |
| Cold water | 2 cups |
| Boiling water | 4 cups |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Tomatoes | 2, diced |
| Bell pepper | 1, diced |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1/8 cup |
| Butter or margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground chuck | 1 pound |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck until cooked through.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until tender.
-
Season the Meat:
- Stir in chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and diced tomatoes.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, then keep warm.
-
Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture:
- In a separate pot, mix cornmeal with cold water.
- Gradually add boiling water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring continuously.
- Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the cornmeal mixture, stirring well.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Spread 2/3 of the cornmeal mixture evenly on the bottom and sides of the casserole dish.
- Pour the prepared meat mixture into the casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the meat mixture with the remaining 1/3 of the cornmeal mixture, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Dot the surface of the cornmeal mixture with butter or margarine.
-
Bake:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the tamale pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Slice into servings and serve hot, garnishing with your favorite toppings if desired.
This Lunchroom Tamale Pie is a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual potluck gathering. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic recipe, and let it transport you back to the simpler times of school lunchrooms and childhood memories.
