Tamale Pie With Fresh Tomato and Corn

 

Ingredients

½ pound fresh chorizo, or other sausage 

½ pound ground beef, or other ground meat

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2½ teaspoons cumin

1 large onion, grated on a box grater, divided

1–2 medium jalapeños, thinly sliced, seeded if desired, divided

1¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

2 large beefsteak tomatoes (about 2 pounds), cut into 1/2" cubes

2 cups corn kernels (preferably fresh; from about 3 ears of corn), divided

8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)

2 large eggs

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup sour cream, plus more for serving

1¼ cups cornmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 450°F. Heat an 8" cast-iron skillet over high. Pat chorizo and beef (or substitutes) dry with paper towels, then press into an even layer in bottom of hot skillet with a spatula. Cook, undisturbed, until a brown crust begins to form on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Turn, break into pieces, and continue to cook until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste, cumin, half of grated onion, half of jalapeño, and 1¼ tsp. salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and well combined, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes, 1½ cups corn, and 1½  cups cheese.

   Step 2

   Whisk eggs, butter, ⅓ cup sour cream, and remaining onion in a medium bowl. Whisk cornmeal, baking powder, and remaining ½ tsp. salt in a small bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and stir to combine, then stir in ¼ cup cheese and remaining ½ cup corn.

   Step 3

   Dollop cornbread batter over meat mixture, then smooth into an even layer. Top with remaining jalapeños and ¼ cup cheese.

   Step 4

   Bake cornbread until golden brown, 15–18 minutes. Serve with sour cream alongside.