Recipe: Helen's Spanish Rice (using ground beef and stewed tomatoes)

HELEN'S SPANISH RICE

1 cup rice, uncooked
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or bacon fat)
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 1/2 cups stewed tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

Wash rice, drain, and allow to dry thoroughly.

Heat oil in heavy skillet; add rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Add ground beef, green pepper, onion and garlic. Stir often to break up and brown meat; cook until onion is limp and lightly browned.

Add undrained, chopped tomatoes and seasonings. Cover and simmer about 25 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Helen Jolly of Kenosha, Wisconsin