Bitsy's Kitchen. Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie
1 lb. lean ground meat (beef, chicken or turkey) 1 medium onion, diced 1 4 ounce can diced green chilies 1 package (4 Tbsp.) taco seasoning (recipe below)	1 cup shredded mild cheese 1 (6 to 8 oz. pkg.) of cornbread mix or use recipe below 1 cup gravy (recipe below)

Brown meat. Stir in onion, taco seasoning, green chilies and gravy. Spread in greased 2 quart baking dish or 10 inch deep dish pie plate. Spread cheese evenly over mixture. Prepare corn bread batter. Spread batter over meat and cheese. Bake at 400° F. for 30 to 40 minutes until cornbread is done.
Serves 4 to 6.

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Taco Seasoning:
4 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1/4 tsp. lemon powder (optional)	1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. flour 1/2 tsp. cocoa powder

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Store in air tight container. Makes approximately 4 tablespoons (enough to season 1 pound of meat) or the equivalent of 1 package in U.S.

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Cornbread:
1/2 cup+ 2 Tbsp. flour 6 Tbsp. corn meal 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt	2 Tbsp. sugar (optional) 1 egg white 1/2 cup milk 2 Tbsp. melted butter or oil

Combine the dry ingredients together. Whisk the milk, egg product and oil together. Stir the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Makes 6 muffins or 8 x 8 inch loaf of cornbread.

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Gravy:
2 Tbsp. oil 2 Tbsp. flour 1 cup meat* stock	1/4 tsp. salt (or to taste) 1/8 tsp. black pepper (or to taste)

Heat oil and flour in skillet until flour starts to brown. Remove from heat and stir in stock. Take care to mix thoroughly to avoid the dreaded lumps. Return to heat. Cook, stirring until gravy begins to thicken; add salt and pepper to taste.
Makes 1 cup

*your own, canned or made from water and beef or chicken flavored granules