Savory beef and tomatoes are encased in a crisp cornmeal crust. Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tamale Casserole

1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 large egg
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
3 tomatoes, diced
1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
1 (8-ounce) container cottage cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix milk, cornmeal and egg in a large bowl and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion; drain. Stir in tomatoes, olives, salt, pepper and oregano. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add cottage cheese and heat until hot, but not boiling. Stir mixture into cornmeal; mix well.
4. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish and bake for 1 hour, or until hot and golden in color.
5. Serve warm.

Makes 4 servings.