Another yummy recipe from the It's Good For You cookbook from Pampered Chef. Again, with this one I would add lots of cilantro...and be sure to pick your favorite salsa, as it is the main taste in this dish. It is filling, has black beans and cornmeal...lots of fiber. It serves 8 and is only 270 calories per serving. I cut this in portions, placed in baggies, and was able to eat them when needed...whether it be lunch or dinner. This is also an economical dish...using only 1/2 pound ground beef. Notes: Brown a whole pound of ground beef and freeze the other half...ready for the next recipe. May use a lg round corning ware casserole dish, or deep 8x8 pan.

Beef Tamale Bake

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup hot water
2 egg whites
3T veg oil
1/2 pound gr beef
1 jar (16 oz) thick and chunky salsa
1 can (15 1/2 oz) red beans, drained and rinsed
1 garlic clove pressed
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend


Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a deep dish casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk water, egg whites and veg oil ..spread into cornmeal mixture, stir until smooth. Pour batter into casserole dish.

Cook ground beef over med heat, 6-8 min, until no longer pink , breaking beef into crumbles, drain.

Add salsa , garlic, chili powder, and cumin to beef. Mix well. Bring to boil over med heat. Spoon beef mixture evenly over batter to within 1/2 inch of edge of baker. Bake 20-23 min or until crust is set. Remove from oven, sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 5 min. cut into wedges.