Hearty Taco Casserole

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 2/3 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 1/3 cups water, plus
• 4 -5 tablespoons water, divided
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup nonfat sour cream

Recipe

• 1 in a small saucepan, bring rice and 1-1/3 cups water to a boil. reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
• 2 meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. stir in enough remaining water to form a soft dough. on a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle. press into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. bake at 400° for 13-15 minutes or until very lightly browned.
• 3 for filling, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. add water, taco seasoning and cooked rice. bring to a boil. reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. remove from the heat. stir in eggs and cilantro. spread over crust.
• 4 cover and bake for 15-17 minutes or until filling is set. cut into squares. top with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. serve with salsa and sour cream.