For January 2009 | Southwest Casserole

This is a quick and easy casserole sure to please the whole family. You can make it mild or spicy by adjusting seasonings to suite your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably brown
• 1 can pinto beans or 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 small can diced green chilis
• 1/2 teaspoon or more chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon or more cumin
• 1 teaspoon or more onion powder
• A few dashes of hot sauce if desired
• 1 pound ground beef, boiled in water and drained (optional)
• 1 cup shredded 2% milk cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook rice and beans (if not using canned beans) according to package instructions.
2. Boil ground beef in enough water to cover until no longer pink and drain thoroughly. This is a great way to remove a lot of the fat in high fat meats. You can also omit the beef for a vegetarian meal.
3. Mix together rice, beans, beef, vegetables, and seasonings in a large bowl.
4. Pour into a casserole or baking dish. Top with shredded cheese, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serve with a green salad or steamed spinach dressed with a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!