Western Beef Casserole

1⅓ pounds lean free-range ground beef

1    garlic clove, minced

¼   cup onion, finely chopped

3    cups canned tomatoes with juice

1    teaspoon Celtic salt

2    teaspoons chili powder

1    teaspoon hot red pepper sauce (optional)

32  ounces dry red beans, cooked, drained

1    cup uncooked brown rice

1    cup freshly shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Brown the ground beef with the garlic and onion in a skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain. Chop the tomatoes or process briefly in a blender or food processor. Combine the beef mixture, tomatoes, salt, chili powder, pepper sauce, beans, and rice in a large baking dish. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese, and bake for 15 minutes longer.

Yield: 8 to 12 servings

Adapted from a recipe found on SeedsofKnowledge.com