Cheesy Taco Beef and Casserole

 This mixture goes inside of a taco shell, but also tastes good as is.  Add or take away whatever veggies you want to.

CHEESY TACO BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef (I sue 80/20)

*1 medium yellow onion, chopped

*1 red bell pepper, chopped

*1 free bell pepper, chopped

*3 garlic cloves, minced

*1 ( ounce) can diced tomatoes

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

*3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

*1 teaspoon paprika

*1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed

*1 cup frozen corn

*1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)

*2 1/2 cups beef stock or broth

*2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Toppings:

*fresh cilantro (optional)

*flour or corn taco shells

*sour cream (optional)

*salsa (optional)

*chopped jalapeno peppers (optional)

*chopped green onions

*sliced avocado 

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Heat up  a large oven proof skillet over medium heat until hot.

~Add in 1 pound ground beef, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 medium chopped yellow onion, breaking up ground beef as it cooks.

~Once ground beef is almost completely browned, add 3 minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring often.

~Drain grease if necessary.

~Push ground beef mixture to one side and add the 1 cup rinsed long grain rice on the other side.

~Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring the rice around as it cooks.

~Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon paprika.

~Stir the rice and ground beef mixture together until well mixed.

~Stir in 1 (15 ounce) can chopped tomatoes, 1 cup frozen corn, 1cup rinsed and drained black beans

~Stir in 2 1/2 cups beef stock.

~Cover and cook for about 15-18 minutes.

~Add rice and place in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.

~Scoop desired amount of filling into each taco shell.  Top with desired toppings.