Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper or jalapeño pepper, chopped
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
• 1 Tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Method

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
3. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet). Drain fat (see Notes).
4. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
5. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
7. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
9. Recipe tip: Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
10. Recipe tip: If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
11. Recipe tip: Try ground turkey in place of beef.
12. Recipe tip: Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.
13. Recipe tip: Pour fat from cooked meat into a metal container. Let it cool, then dispose of it in a garbage can.