Recipe: Cajun Beef and Rice

Cajun Beef and Rice

1/2 pound ground beef
1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2cup)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2cup)
2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
2 cups uncooked instant rice
1 cup water
8 medium fresh okra, sliced, or 1 cup frozen (thawed) cut okra
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (1-1/2cups)
1 small green bell pepper, chopped (1/2cup)
2 cans (11-1/2 ounces each) lightly tangy eight-vegetable juice (V-8)

Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef, celery, onion and Cajun seasoning in skillet about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is brown and vegetables are tender. Stir in remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook about 5 minutes or until rice is tender.