Black Bean Tamale Bake

Ingredients

• tablespoon svegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound ground chuck
• clove sgarlic, chopped
• (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
• (8 ounce) jarpasilla chile cooking sauce (such as Herdez®)
• cup can ned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup swater
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• earscorn, kernels cut from cob
• cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (Optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet until shimmering. Add onion, green pepper, and salt. Cook and stir until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ground chuck and garlic; cook until meat is browned, about 5 minutes. Drain fat if desired. Add beans, chile cooking sauce, and tomatoes. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
3. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cornmeal and salt; cook until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add corn, Monterey Jack cheese, and jalapeno. Stir well and spread over meat mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden and filling is bubbling, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.