Beef and Black Bean Tamale Pie

     Okay, don't be intimidated by the picture or think that this will take forever just because it has the word "pie" in it.  It comes together fast and makes an impressive presentation.  This is a delicious alternative to tacos but just as cheap to make.  So, pull out that 9-inch pie plate you haven't seen since Thanksgiving, rinse the dust off, and put this flavorful pie on the table for dinner. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed, drained
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (8.75 ounce) can whole kernel corn, very well drained
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup shredded Co-Jack or Cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
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• Crust:
• 1 (8.5 ounce) package corn muffin mix
• 3/4 cup shredded Co-Jack or Cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup light dairy sour cream
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; brown 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings. Stir in seasoning mix, beans and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; set aside.
2. Meanwhile in medium bowl, combine crust ingredients, mixing just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Batter will be stiff.) Using spoon dipped in water, spread slightly more than 1/2 the batter onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie pan.

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1. 3. Arrange corn over batter; top with beef mixture. 

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1. 4. Spoon remaining batter over beef, along outer edge of pie. Carefully spread batter toward center, leaving a 3-inch circle uncovered.  [Don't worry, this probably won't look the prettiest, but it looks better as it bakes and comes out just fine, like the picture at the beginning of this post!]

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1. 5. Bake in 400 degrees F oven 23 to 25 minutes or until top is golden brown.

1. 6. To serve, dollop 3/4 cup sour cream over top; sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese and 1/3 cup green onions. Cut into wedges.