1 lb Lean ground beef

1 lg Onion, thinly sliced

1 lg Green pepper, finely chopped

1 Clove garlic,

-peeled and crushed 16 oz Can stewed tomatoes

3/4 c Instant rice

2 1/2 t Chili powder

1 1/2 t Salt

1/8 t Pepper

8 oz Can tomato sauce

1/4 c Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

-(optional) 1. In a deep, 2-quart, heat-resistant, non-metallic casserole crumble the

ground beef. Add the onion, green pepper and crushed garlic. 2. Heat, uncovered, in Microwave Oven 6 minutes or until meat is browned.

Stir occasionally to break up the meat. 3. Add the remaining ingredients except the Cheddar cheese.. Mix throughly

to combine. 4. Heat, covered, in the Microwave Oven 7 minutes.

5. lf desired, sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the top of the meat mixture.

6. Heat, uncovered, in Microwave Oven 1 1/2 minutes or until cheese melts.