Baked Beef and Rice Marinara

All this easy Italian-style ground beef and rice casserole needs to complete the meal is a green salad and crusty garlic bread.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup diced green pepper
2 cups cooked rice
3/4 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook beef, mushrooms, onion, celery and green pepper over medium-high heat in large skillet until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp tender, stirring frequently.
2. Combine meat mixture with rice, oregano, salt, basil, garlic and tomato sauce in buttered 2-quart baking dish; arrange cheese slices on top.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of USA Rice Federation.