California Casserole

California Casserole

1 lb. ground meat
1 tbsp. oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 (1 lb.) can Progresso Italian tomatoes
1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans
3/4 c. uncooked rice
1/4 c. stuffed green olives (optional)
3/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Hot pepper sauce

In large frying pan, sauté meat in oil until it loses it's red color.

Add garlic, salt, pepper, onions, green pepper, and chili powder; cook 5 minutes or until onion is wilted.

Add Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce (if desired), tomatoes, beans, and rice; turn into a buttered 2 quart casserole.

Bake at 350 degrees, covered with foil for 45 minutes.

Uncover and sprinkle with olives and cheese. Bake 15 minutes more or until cheese is melted.