Tex- Mex Beef and Bean Dip

It is either I don't work and I have a ton of time on my hands OR I work so much I have zero time for anything. Well that was my case one weekend when UFC was being held at my best friends house again. I hate coming empty handed when people hold small gatherings at their house. My friend had all the sweets covered. I figured a little savory dish would work perfectly. Except when would I find the time to make something? I've been going through old magazines recently and came across another Cooking Light recipe. This dip came together very quickly cooking everything on the stove top and then placed into a dish to be served. The cheese sprinkled on top eventually melts into the dip. Pick up your favorite tortilla chips and this dip is like eating a taco! Very fun! I used the leftovers and placed it on a crisp bed of romaine lettuce the next day. I think my friends liked it but it definitely wasn't something they went crazy for! I'm always trying to look for a healthier alternative so I can enjoy it too. So I went crazy for the dish. ;) We joked I used "tofu" to one of our friends and he was like, "WOW I don't like tofu but this is amazing!" hehe

 
Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Dip (Adapted from Cooking Light)  
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground lean sirloin
2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste
1 to 2 teaspoons spicy taco seasoning mix (I used Trader Joe's brand)
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5- ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Salt and pepper
Tortilla chips

Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain well; return beef to pan. Add tomato paste and next 4 ingredients (through diced tomatoes), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon meat mixture into a serving bowl; top with shredded cheese and green onions. Serve with tortilla chips.


Click HERE for the original recipe. Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!!!
Fallon