Pork Chops Olé

Serves 4 to 6

2 T. olive oil

6 pork chops, cut 1/2-inch thick

seasoned salt and pepper to taste

3/4 c. long-cooking rice, uncooked

1-1/2 c. water

8-oz. can tomato sauce

2 T. taco seasoning mix

1 green pepper, chopped

1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add pork chops and brown on both sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; set aside. Combine rice, water, tomato sauce and taco seasoning; mix well. Pour into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan; arrange pork chops on top of rice mixture. Sprinkle with green pepper; cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.

A quick & easy seasoning mix is six parts salt to one part pepper. Keep it close to the stove in a large shaker...so handy when pan-frying pork chops or chicken.