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Mexican Beef over Polenta

Source of Recipe

Weight Watchers


Recipe Introduction

POINTS® Value: 5 Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 18 min Cooking Time: 12 min Level of Difficulty: Easy Seasoned ground beef and vegetables are spooned over homemade polenta. Then they're topped with traditional Mexican ingredients like cheese, salsa and fresh cilantro.

List of Ingredients

1 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
1 small onion(s), chopped
14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, with chiles, drained, reserve 1 Tbsp of liquid
1 cup(s) canned yellow corn, drained, or frozen, thawed corn kernels
10 items olive(s), Kalamata, sliced
2 tbsp canned jalapeno peppers, pickled, chopped (optional)
3/4 tsp table salt, divided
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup(s) polenta, quick-cooking
3 cup(s) canned chicken broth
1/3 cup(s) salsa
1/3 cup(s) shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
2 tbsp cilantro, or scallion, fresh, chopped (optional)



Recipe

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef and onion, stirring frequently, until meat is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes; drain off any liquid. Stir in tomatoes and reserved liquid, corn, olives, jalapenos (if using), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, cumin and pepper; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
• Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine cornmeal, broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt; stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until cornmeal is thick, about 5 minutes.
• Spoon polenta onto a large serving plate and top with beef mixture. Top with salsa, cheese and cilantro (or scallion). Divide into 6 portions and serve.
Notes
• The polenta will still be soft after cooking but will firm up if allowed to stand for a few minutes before serving.

**I used prepared polenta that I found in the refrigerated section at the store. I just sliced it and put it in the bottom, then put the beef mixture over it. I baked it for 15 minutes (needed 5 more or the polenta heated before hand). Then put on the cheese and baked a few more minutes until the cheese was melted.