With its chili-like bean and meat filling and soft, cheesy cornbread topping, this casserole is quintessential comfort food and a long-time american favorite. As with so many recipes brought to the u. S. By immigrants, this dish has changed significantly from its original incarnation: the traditional tamal of mexico and guatemala's indigenous cultures. We're happy to salute both that first tamal, and what it's evolved to over time in millions of american kitchens.