This dish, called lasagna in padella in Italian, takes a faster, less structured approach than traditional baked lasagna.

First, make a quick chili of beef, black beans, corn, green pepper and onion seasoned with chile power and cumin. Spread that in a baking dish, top with a simple cornbread batter and pop it into the oven. In about a half hour: tamale pie.

This is a technique for all seasons—the grill's hot coals, a campfire in summer, or a fireplace in winter.