Taco Rice Bake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
2 (8.8 ounce) pouches UNCLE BEN'S(R) Ready Rice(R) Garden Vegetable
1 (1.25 ounce) package sodium-reduced taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 10-inch round baking dish.
Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef, breaking up chunks, until until browned throughout, about 10 minutes. Drain off fat.
Stir in tomatoes, taco seasoning, and water and bring to a low simmer; simmer about 5 minutes.
Cook rice according to package directions.
Stir together ground beef mixture, rice, and 1/4 cup cheese. Spread into prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 to 15 minutes .
Serve with your favorite toppings such as chopped tomatoes or avocado slices, if desired.