Beef Mexicana Tortilla

Some days you just have to go with what you have available to cook with. It ends up that my recipe will have the flavors of Mexican cooking. The only purchase for this dish was the black beans, the rest of the ingredients I already had. That's really what Cooking On A Budget is all about. Thinking creatively using what's available and coming up with a pleasing meal for you and your family.
There are a few ways you could approach this dish. One is to make the mixture and then serve it on top of a crispy fried tortilla. The other is to wrap the mixture in the tortilla, roll it and eat it soft or bake them in the oven. Or, wrap the mixture in the tortilla, roll it envelope style and secure with a toothpick and fry them on all sides in some oil.

Here's what I ended up doing: crispy shells and believe me I made four HUGE portions. There was enough mixture for 5 large portions and I think you could have stretched it to six lighter portions. I liked the crunchiness from the bell pepper for texture and the spice flavoring was good. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your own pallet.

• 1 1/4 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 onion - diced
• 1 green bell pepper - diced
• 2 cloves garlic - chopped
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 jar of Queso
• 1 15.5 oz. can black beans - drained and rinsed
• 5  10 inch tortillas
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. butter
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. granulated garlic
• 1/8 tsp. cumin (optional)

1. In a skilled quickly brown the beef with salt and pepper over high heat. Cook the beef about half way, breaking it down as it sears. Transfer that to a large bowl.
2. Then in the same pan saute the onion in some butter over medium heat.Add some salt and pepper to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes and add in the garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring, then turn off the heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the beef mixture along with the spices.
4. Rinse and drain your beans and add them in. Mix all to combine.
5. Have your pepper diced - it can be any size you like.
6. Heat the oil over high heat and lightly fry each tortilla. Carefully pressing down the bubbles as they form.
7. Spread as much Queso sauce on the tortilla as you like, followed by some chopped green pepper.
8. Place the beef mixture on top. Then lastly sprinkle with the shredded cheese blend.
9. Bake in a 350° oven until the cheese melts.

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