Gaucho Casserole

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope low-sodium taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/3 cups uncooked instant rice
• 2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

1. Crumble the beef and mix with onion and pepper in a microwave dish.
2. Cover and microwave on high for 41/2 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring every 2 minutes and drain.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning and chili powder.
4. Cover and microwave on high for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes or until bubbly, stirring every 2 minutes.
5. Stir in rice.
6. Transfer to a shallow dish coated with cooking spray.
7. Cover and let stand for 6-8 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
8. Sprinkle with cheese.
9. Cover and microwave on high for another minute or until cheese is melted.

lean ground beef, onion, green pepper, kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning, chili powder, rice

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/gaucho-casserole-282776 (may not work)