Mexican Beef over polenta

I made this recipe this week, and it was really yummy. My only problem was my polenta not setting up enough, so next time I make it I think I'll serve the polenta separate from the beef and allow people to pour their own beef over polenta- I think it had a hard time setting because I poured the beef over it too soon. I omitted the olives and jalapenos and added a can of drained and rinsed black beans. This is a Weight Watchers Recipe.

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.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 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 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 polenta, quick-cooking
• 3 cup canned chicken broth
• 1/3 cup salsa
• 1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, or scallion, fresh, chopped (optional)

Instructions

• 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.