Cherokee Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3/4 c. finely chopped onion
1/8 tsp. each: garlic powder, thyme and oregano
1 bay leaf
2 c. canned tomatoes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. Minute rice
6 stuffed olives
American or Velveeta cheese, cut in 1/2-inch strips

Preparation

Brown meat in oil.
Add onions and cook until tender.
Stir in ingredients in order given (except cheese).
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon into 9-inch square baking dish and dot with strips of cheese, arranged in diamond shapes.
Broil until cheese is melted and then garnish with olives in center of diamonds.
Serves 4 to 6.