OLD SCHOOL TAMALE PIE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Grease bottom and side of 10-inch cast-iron skillet with oil. Heat skillet in oven about 10 minutes or until hot.
• In medium bowl, stir muffin mix, milk, melted butter and egg just until moistened (batter will be lumpy). Stir in green chiles and 1 cup of the cheese. Spread in hot skillet. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown around edge. Remove from oven; reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
• Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, bell pepper, onion and garlic over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is no longer pink; drain. Add water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Add pinto beans; stir until combined.
• Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes in cornbread (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart), and pour enchilada sauce over top, spreading sauce to fill holes. Top with beef and bean mixture and remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover with sheet of foil sprayed with cooking spray; bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling around edge and cheese is melted.
• Cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite fresh toppings.

Steps:

• Place pork into a Dutch oven with onion and garlic, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the meat is cooked through, about 2 hours.
• Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then remove from heat to cool. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture, stir in salt, and set aside. Shred the cooked meat and mix in one cup of the chile sauce.
• Soak the corn husks in a bowl of warm water. In a large bowl, beat the lard with a tablespoon of the broth until fluffy. Combine the masa harina, baking powder and salt; stir into the lard mixture, adding more broth as necessary to form a spongy dough.
• Spread the dough out over the corn husks to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Place one tablespoon of the meat filling into the center. Fold the sides of the husks in toward the center and place in a steamer. Steam for 1 hour.
• Remove tamales from husks and drizzle remaining chile sauce over. Top with sour cream. For a creamy sauce, mix sour cream into the chile sauce.