BAKED BEEF AND RICE MARINARA

1 pound lean ground beef
3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup diced green pepper
2 cups cooked rice
3/4 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3 slices American cheese

Cook beef, mushrooms, onion, celery and green pepper over medium-high heat in large skillet until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp tender, stirring frequently.

Combine meat mixture with rice, oregano, salt, basil, garlic and tomato sauce in buttered 2-quart baking dish; arrange cheese slices on top.

Bake at 350 degrees F. 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 4 servings
Source: USA Rice Federation