Another Family Favorite Recipe

I've made this for Ron for years...since the first year we were married! We loved it then, and still love it now, and the kids have labeled it "Perfect"

California Tamale Casserole

3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 c. milk
1 egg
1 pound ground beef
1 package of chili seasoning mix (or taco seasoning)
1 t. salt (optional)
1 (1 pound) can tomatoes (with green chilis is also good)
1 can corn
1 can sliced black olives (optional)
shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together in (greased) 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or 9 x 13 pan, the cornmeal, egg and milk. Blend well.

Brown the ground beef. Add the package of seasoning mix (without water), salt, tomatoes, corn and olives. Stir well to mix together, and add to cornmeal mixture. Blend well. Bake at 350* for 1 hour 15 minutes or til golden brown on top. (cooking in a 9 x 13 pan makes a thinner casserole and may not take quite as long to bake). Top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for 5-10 minutes longer til cheese is melted. Serve topped with salsa and sour cream. You can also add a bit of heat to the casserole by adding sliced jalapeno peppers to the mix.

YUM!