Mexicali Casserole

If you like Mexican food, you are sure to like this casserole dish. It is an easy dish to make, combining all the flavors that you enjoy eating.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 sweet pepper, chopped
1 or 2 jalapeños (Optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz.) can whole kernel corn
1 (16 oz. can kidney beans
1 c. water
2/3 c. uncooked rice
1/3 c. sliced ripe olives
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. 

Over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, pepper and garlic in a cast iron skillet.  Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain.

Stir in chili powder, tomatoes, corn, kidney beans, water, rice, and olives. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to an 11 x 7-inch baking dish, or you can leave it in the oven safe skillet you fried the meat and vegetables in.  Cover and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. 

Remove the lid or cover and sprinkle cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.