This hearty meal is great for a potluck. It easily converts to a vegetarian recipe if you use vegetarian beef crumbles. It is super-easy to make and tastes delicious! It came from The Best of Cooking Light...Everyday Favorites
In large saucepan, mix together the first 5 ingredients plus half the taco seasoning. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in rice, cover and let stand 5 minutes, then add tomato sauce.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook ground beef over med-high heat until browned. Drain off the grease. Mix the remaining taco seasoning with the beef.
In a 13x9" baking dish coated with cooking spray, spread half of the rice mixture. Spread the refried beans evenly over the top. Then spread the beef mixture and top with 1/2 the cheese. Spread remaining rice mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until cheese melts.