1/2 pound ground round
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup water
1 T. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
3 cups cooked long-grain rice
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup skim milk
3/4 cup (3 oz.) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Cook first 3 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble. Add water and next 6 ingredients (water through chiles); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Uncover and simmer an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside. Combine the rice, sour cream, sliced green onions, and milk in a bowl. Spoon rice mixture into a 9-inch baking dish. Top with beef mixture; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375&176; for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 Servings
Serving Size: 1/6 recipe, about 1 C.

Calories: 353
Fat: 14.6
Fiber: 1.1

Notes: I am generally a fan of casseroles because they are easy. Cook and toss everything together and let it bake until done. Easy easy. Since most classic casseroles are loaded with butter, whole milk, cream of X soups, and so on, I am always on the look out for healthy versions that don’t sacrifice taste.

To make it easier at dinner time, cook extra rice at another meal and then keep it in the fridge until you need it for the casserole. Serve with a salad and a cooked veggie and there’s a good hearty meal for ya.

I thought this casserole tasted OK but Malcolm didn’t care for it, probably because of the large chunks of tomatoes.