BLACK EYED PEAS AND RICE CASSEROLE

1/2 cup rice
1 cup water
8 ounces hamburger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash salt
1 can black eye peas with jalapeno
2 to 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
4 slices American cheese

Cook rice in water as directed, set aside.

Brown hamburger meat, drain, and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper.

In a 2 quart casserole dish, combine jalapeno black eye peas, chopped tomatoes and onions, cooked rice and meat, and crumble cheese on top. Gently stir all ingredients.

Cover with plastic wrap and heat 6 to 10 minutes in microwave, rotating dish half way through. Heat until bubbly and hot.

Let stand a few minutes before serving. The jalapenos do not make it hot, just flavorful! Add more jalapenos to make it spicy.