Spanish Rice Bake

Ingredients

• 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 (28 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1/2 cup salsa, heat to your taste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. 2

   Brown the ground beef in a 2 qt oven- and range-safe Dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.

3. 3

   Stir in the onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, water, rice, salsa, salt, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce and ground black pepper.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes. Do not lift the lid for at least the first 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Sprinkle with the shredded Cheddar cheese, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.