Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (24 oz) jar tomato sauce, divided
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 1/3 cup quick-cooking rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup salsa (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 8–10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce with the cooked beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Press this mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust.
In another bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce with the rice, water, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef crust and smooth the top. Add a thin layer of extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until melted. Let it cool slightly before serving, and top with salsa or sour cream if desired.
