Savory Black Bean Tamale Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of vegetable oil for sautéing
• A generous ½ cup of diced onion
• An equal amount of finely chopped green bell pepper
• A pinch of salt for seasoning
• About ½ lb of ground chuck for the base
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped for flavor
• A can of drained black beans (15 oz)
• An 8 oz jar of pasilla chile cooking sauce, like the one from Herdez®
• 1 cup of drained canned diced tomatoes
• For the Topping:
• 2 ½ cups of water for cooking
• ½ cup of cornmeal for a textured finish
• A hint of salt for taste
• Kernels from 2 ears of corn for added sweetness
• 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for melting
• 1 finely chopped jalapeno pepper if desired

Step 1

Prepare your oven by preheating it to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for a warm and cozy cooking environment.

Step 2

In a sturdy cast iron skillet, let some oil heat up until it shimmers with anticipation. Then, toss in some finely chopped onion, vibrant green pepper, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook and stir this medley until it becomes tender, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3

Next, introduce the ground chuck and minced garlic to the skillet. Allow them to dance together until the meat turns a lovely brown hue, around another 5 minutes. If you wish, you can remove any excess fat.

Step 4

Now, it's time to add in the beans, flavorful chile cooking sauce, and juicy tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, enhancing the flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, bring some water to a lively boil in a saucepan. Sprinkle in some cornmeal and a pinch of salt, stirring until it transforms into a thick and creamy delight, taking around 2 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and incorporate some sweet corn kernels, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and a touch of spicy jalapeno. Mix it all together with care and spread it over the savory meat mixture in the skillet.

Step 6

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and let it bake until the top turns a glorious golden hue and the filling bubbles with excitement, for roughly 45 minutes. Once ready, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to mingle and settle. Enjoy your hearty and delicious creation!