Tex-Mex Pot Pie

Just a little Tex-Mex twist on the traditional pot pie

Only in Texas would you be able to take a classic pot pie and make it hot and spicy! Now you can enjoy all the wonderful traditions of pot pie with a Tex-Mex twist. It's bold and flavorful and just right for serving a crowd or making ahead for individual servings.

Tex-Mex Pot Pie
(make individuals with extra dough or fill one 9-inch pie plate)

1 pound chuck (boneless/lean), cubed and browned
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 jalapenos, chopped (adjust for personal taste)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) stewe tomatoes (Mexican style, if possible or Rotel) - do not drain
1 can corn
1 small can (4 oz) mushroom (sliced or pieces), drained
1/3 cup sliced black olives
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup water
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 egg, beaten (can use white only, if desired)

Make crust of choice or use recipe below.
Sauté jalapenos and onions. Add beef, tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, seasons, corn, and mushrooms. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about one-half hour.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Remove mixture from heat and fill pie crust or individual serving units. Add top crust and pinch edges closed with a water seal. Make slits in top and coat with egg or egg white.

Bake for about 40 minutes or until top crust is golden. Top immediately with cheese and serve.

Crust:
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 Tablespoons toasted wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1/2-3/4 cups vegetable oil (or shortening)
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
7 Tablespoons water

Combine flour, cornmeal, wheat germ, and salt. Add Cheddar and vegetable oil. Blend well to chunk stage. Add water, one tablespoon at a time and keep working until the dough can form into a ball (may not need all the water). Form into circles to desired width for bottom of pie pan or individual serving sizes of choice with a rolling pin. Save the dough for top crust - roll out just before placing in oven.