Review: Upside-down Tamale Pie

[lsdesign]

I made this last night for dinner. It was a quick and uncomplicated mircrowave meal. Light and somehow fresh tasting, I could have spiced it up more but then my kids wouldn't go for it. In the end they picked at it anyway. If I make this again I will switch the kidney beans for black beans and turn up the heat.

[Ralph]

Thanks for the reviews. I'm looking forward to making this next week!

[ElinorC]

I also liked this recipe. I did spice it up, but I'm not sure kids would like it any hotter. It certainly was quick.

[BethR]

I'm planning to try this but I ran into a slight problem. My grocery store doesn't carry polenta in a tube this time of year -- they claim it only sells well in the summer. I'm going to make polenta from scratch today (Sunday) then chill it and cut it up to use when I make this tomorrow. Glad to hear it's good -- but I will follow your advice and spice it up. We all like spicy food, even the (2 and 4 year old) kids!

[Ralph]

Well, it's been cooked, & thank you both, lsdesign & Elinor: It was wonderful! I haven't made a meal in the microwave in YEARS just because they don't turn out well. This certainly changed my mind.
As for spicing it up, I just used hotter salsa; I didn't think the BBQ mix added much (but I also didn't use the type they specified).

[SusieO]

I made this last night and loved it. Very easy and delicious. I made the polenta myself (two cups water, one cup corn meal, a little salt), and seasoned the meat with Zatarain's creole seasoning (which I use on everything). Now I want to try more microwave recipes.

[misstapioca]

i just cannot believe that i cooked a decent meal in the microwave. i was floored! I was worried about how it would come out. I have just recently purchased a microwave for myself, i had gone for 3 years without one. My BF was surprised i had come out of the "dark ages". Now i will try more recipes like this. If you haven't tried this wonderful easy recipe i recommend it!

[patrice]

I swear you people are psyhic! I went grocery shopping Saturday and decided to make this casserole tonight. I am going to use ground turkey instead of beef. Do you think I need to change cooking times or seasoning? I think I will try the ZAtarin's seasoning. We like it spicy here!