Phenomenal 15 Minute Nachos

I absolutely love my nachos (check the screen name)... Frustrated with not being able to find exactly what I was looking for in the restaurants (low salt, high taste), I made my own recipe. Quick, easy and very good for either dipping/topping chips or making hard/soft tacos. This also freezes very well. Curious to see what the rest of you think. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef (can substitute ground turkey or chicken)
• 1  large onion (diced)
• 1  medium green pepper (diced)
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 3  garlic cloves, minced or 1⁄4 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 (16 ounce) can  fat-free refried beans
• 1⁄4 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 tablespoon chili pepper
• 1⁄4 tablespoon cumin
•  salt
•  your favorite tortilla chips or   taco shell

Directions

1. Heat oil on medium in large sauté pan (high sides).
2. If using garlic cloves, add to oil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add ground meat and spices, cook on medium/medium-high (I've found that beef taste the best, but you can truly never go wrong w/ whatever you choose).
4. When halfway done (about 3-4 minutes), add vegetables to the meat. DO NOT DRAIN.
5. When the meat is done (about another 5 minutes or so) add refried beans. Stir until meat/veggies are mixed into the beans.
6. Lower heat and continue to cook until mixture simmers. (The consistency of the dish should allow for it to boil a bit, if not then add a little water or broth to get it to the consistency that you prefer. CAUTION the dish should not be watery, cook uncovered on low to cook the water out.).
7. Serve topped with melted cheese on chips or in soft tortilla/hard shell to make tacos.
8. OPTIONAL PREPARATION.
9. Mix garlic and spices into the meat and allow to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, then cook according to directions.