I LOVE Mexican food! In Texas, it's almost a religion. It's also usually very bad for you, full of fat, calories and grease! Like many things, I enjoy making my own versions at home to be able to control what goes into my food. This is a simple recipe that can be made in 30 minutes or less and it's always a crowd pleaser! 

Ingredients- 

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tbs olive oil 
• 1 orange or red pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, finely diced 
• 1 large or 2 small potatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can sweet corn
• 1 small can diced green chilies 
• 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar 
• salt & pepper
• Taco seasoning (recipe follows) 

Taco seasoning-

• 1 tbs chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin

Method:

In a large, oven safe skillet (I use cast iron) heat 1/2 tbs oil over medium high heat. Add ground beef & taco seasoning, Cook until meat is browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. 

Add remaining 1-1/2 tbs oil to the still hot skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno & potatoes. Saute for 5 minutes. Add water and cover the pan for 5 minutes, or until the water is absorbed to cook potatoes. Add black beans, corn & chilies to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to warm everything through. Season with plenty of salt and pepper to taste. 

Add ground beef back in and mix everything until well combined.

 Top with cheese and bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Easy Mexican Bake

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 orange or red pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large or 2 small potatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can sweet corn
• 1 small can diced green chilies 
• 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar 
• salt & pepper
• Taco seasoning (recipe follows) 

Taco seasoning-

• 1 tbs chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin

Directions:

In a large, oven safe skillet (I use cast iron) heat 1/2 tbs oil over medium high heat. Add ground beef & taco seasoning, Cook until meat is browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. 

Add remaining 1-1/2 tbs oil to the still hot skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno & potatoes. Add water and cover the pan for about 5 minutes, until the water is absorbed to cook potatoes. Add black beans, corn & chilies to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to warm everything through. Season with plenty of salt and pepper to taste. 

Add ground beef back in and mix everything thoroughly. Top with cheese and bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.