Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

This is a quick and easy kid-friendly recipe I found years ago in a Better Homes & Garden cookbook. The kids never know they are eating their carrots.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb lean ground beef or 1  lb ground pork
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  cup long grain rice
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 3  cups water
• 1  cup carrot, shredded
• 2  teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 1  teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  dried onion flakes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2-1  cup cheddar cheese, shredded (use more or less as desired)

Directions

1. In large saucepan, cook ground beef or pork and garlic until meat is browned.
2. Drain off fat.
3. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. In same saucepan, cook uncooked rice in butter until golden brown, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in water, carrot, bouillon, parsley, onion, salt and basil.
6. Bring to boil.
7. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Stir in meat mixture.
9. Turn half into a 1 1/2 quart casserole.
10. Sprinkle with a layer of cheese.
11. Top with remaining meat mixture.
12. Bake at 325°F oven for 45 minutes, stirring twice.
13. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
14. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes longer or until cheese melts.