DI'S EASY TAMALE CASSEROLE

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
diced hot peppers to taste
1 envelope taco seasoning
4 cups shredded cheese
2 large cans refried beans
double recipe of corn masa tamale filling

Preheat oven to 350*.

Cook ground beef, peppers and onion in skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain fat, add taco seasoning and 1 cup of water. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat.

Prepare a double recipe of corn masa tamale filling, found on the masa package, adding more water as needed to make a thick but spreadable dough.

Spray a 13x9 baking pan or dish with cooking spray. Spread half the prepared masa dough evenly in the bottom of the dish. Spread refried beans carefully over masa. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese evenly over the refried beans. Top cheese with the prepared meat mixture, then sprinkle on remaining shredded cheese. Finally, carefully spread remaining masa dough over all, smoothing to cover all and to the edges of the pan.

Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350* for 1 hour. Serve hot, as is, or top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.

This makes a huge casserole and will easily feed 6 to 8 people, generously. Or, prepare in 2 pans and freeze one for later. Thaw completely in fridge before cooking as directed above.