Mom'S Tamale Pie - cooking recipe

Ingredients

FILLING
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons california chili powder
1 (3 7/8 ounce) can sliced black olives
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can corn (optional)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can kidney beans (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
CRUST
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon california chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups boiling water
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Preparation

FILLING: Cook beef in skillet until lightly browned. Add onions, garlic and salt, cook until lightly browned. Drain grease. Add remaining filling ingredients, bring to boil then simmer for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease deep casserole dish (9\" X 9\" or larger).
CRUST: Boil 4 cups water with chili powder and salt. Mix corn meal with 3/4 cup cold water; add this to boiling water. Cook until thick, stirring frequently.
Line casserole dish with 1 inch layer of corn mush. Pour in meat filling. Spread remaining mush on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake for 15 additional minutes.