Let's face it, there's no substitute for tamales, but this Tamale Pie made with Masa Harina is at least closer to the flavor profile of tamales because it's not made with corn bread. This Tamale Pie is a delicious, more authentic recipe made with ground beef, corn, and Hatch green chile.
In large skillet over medium high heat, brown ground beef. Add in chopped onion and fry until translucent. Add in all other ingredients: minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, corn, green chile. Season with chile powder, cumin and salt. Continue cooking approx. 5-10 minutes. Once fully cooked, take off burner and set aside.
Meantime, make dough by mixing together the dry ingredients: masa harina, baking powder and salt. Add in melted fat and mix until crumbly. Add chicken broth a little at a time until fully absorbed into dough. If it's too dry, add more chicken broth. It should be spreadable.
Grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray, then add meat mixture and spread evenly across the bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Spoon dough on top and carefully spread across the top of dish. (This will take a little time. If dough is not spreading, wetting your spatula with water may help.) Sprinkle additional cheese on top and bake at 350ยบ for 30 minutes until golden brown.