Gaucho Casserole Recipe

By esperling

Nutritional Analysis:
One serving (1 cup) equals 304 calories, 9 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 31 mg cholesterol, 670 mg sodium, 49 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 22 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1-1/3 cups uncooked instant rice
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

Preparation

Step 1

Crumble the beef into an ungreased 2-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish. Add onion and green pepper. Cover and microwave on high for 4-1/2 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring every 2 minutes; drain.

Stir in the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning and chili powder. Cover and microwave on high for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 minutes or until bubbly, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in rice.

Transfer to a shallow 2-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and let stand for 6-8 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and microwave on high for another minute or until cheese is melted. Yield: 8 servings.