Casserole

There are many things I enjoy doing, and one of them is trying out and creating new recipes. I was looking for something relatively easy tonight for supper, and threw this creation together. It was a big hit with the rest of the family so I jotted down how I made it but I haven't had time to think of something intelligent to call it. So if you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat combine:

2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1½ cup rice
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp salt

Stir to evenly coat rice with oil and add

3 cups water

Cover and turn heat down and slowly simmer for approximately fifteen minutes or until water is absorbed.

In the meantime in another skillet combine:

2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion (diced finely)
¾ tsp black pepper
1½ tsp salt

Stir over high heat until evenly brown.

In a 15 x 10 pan spread the cooked rice in bottom. Spread meat over it, and add:

1 can Ragú Six Cheese pasta sauce (1lb 10 oz)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Bake uncovered in a 350º oven until cheese is melted.

Serve with an optional dollop of sour cream on top.

A garden salad is excellent to serve with this casserole to complete your meal.