Brown Rice Tamale Pie

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground meat of choice (beef, turkey, chicken, etc.)
2 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 (4-ounce) cans green chiles
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
4 cups prepared Riceland Medium Grain Brown Rice
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 whole eggs, lightly beaten

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. In a large pot heat the olive oil, then add the onion, celery, carrots and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until soft and fragrant.
5. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Add the ground meat and gently break up with a wooden spoon.
7. Cook until the meat is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
8. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, green chiles, chili powder, salt, cumin and oregano.
9. Stir to combine.
10. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes or so until thick.
11. Pour into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
12. In a large bowl stir together the prepared rice, taco seasoning, cheese and eggs.
13. Spoon over the top of the meat mixture, then spread evenly.
14. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes until golden.
15. Remove from the oven.
16. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
17. Serve hot.