Easy Tamale Pie

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the cornbread mix and the chili powder together with a fork. Add in the egg and milk--mix until just combined. Spoon the batter into a pie pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Open both cans of beans and pour over the cornbread batter. Top with cheese---how much is up to you--at least enough to just cover the beans. Cook for about 40 minutes until cornbread is cooked and beans are hot--cheese should be melted.

Notes: Some cornbread mixes contain lard or an animal fat---some also have dried buttermilk and may not call for an egg. Basically you mix the cornbread per instructions, except for adding the chili powder into the dry mix first. You can also add frozen or fresh corn to the cornbread or the beans if you wish. Other variations would include using one can of black beans and one can of chili beans. Following the basic recipe you can adjust to your taste!

Garnishes: chopped green onion, olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, sour cream, salsa or extra cheese.