Topsy-Turvy Tamale Pie

• From: Rotisserie Chickens to the Rescue

Ingredients

• Spice Blend2 Tbs chili powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano, crumbled between the fingers

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Filling1 Tbs vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

• 1 cup firmly packed frozen pepper strips (about one-third of a 14 ounce bag), chopped

• 1 tsp jarred minced garlic

• 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with chiles

• 2 1/2 cups large chunks rotisserie chicken, skin removed

• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup frozen corn kernels or 1 (7 ounce) can of corn, drained

• 1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced black ripe olives, drained (about 1 cup)

• Topping1 (8 1/2 ounce) box corn muffin mix (about 1 1/2 cups mix, enough for 6-10 muffins)

• 1 cup already-shredded sharp Cheddar or reduced-fat cheese, divided

• 1 (4 ounce) can diced mild chile peppers, undrained

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp chili powder

What a treat! Have the comfort of a homemade tamale pie without cooking cornmeal and laboring over the filling.

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350° F.
• Spice BlendStir the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
• FillingHeat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and spice blend, and cook 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Add the tomatoes, chicken, beans, corn, and olives. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer while you make the topping, stirring occasionally. Wrap the skillet handle in foil if it is not ovenproof.
• ToppingMix the ingredients together in a small bowl, stirring in 1/2 cup cheese. Spoon the topping over the skillet, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is firm but springy when touched lightly, or until a knife inserted in the center of the topping comes out clean. Serve immediately.