This easy one-pot meal combines rice, ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices into a tasty dinner. Resist the temptation to lift the lid while the dish is simmering—this ensures that steam won’t escape, and the rice will be perfectly cooked. Serves 6.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in the onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, water, rice, chili sauce, salt, brown sugar, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
3. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish. Press down firmly and sprinkle with the shredded Cheddar cheese.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Photo © Joe Gough – Fotolia.com