Easy Rice Ragout
1 Tbs olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper (capsicum), cored, seeded, and chopped 1 lb ground beef Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 and 1/2 cups long-grain rice 2 cans (15 oz) chopped tomatoes with their liquid 1/2 cup dry red or white wine or water 2 Tbs catsup 1 Tbs prepared mustard 1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
Heat the oil in a large skillet over moderate heat and saute the onion and green pepper until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the beef, salt, and pepper and saute until there is no trace of pink in the meat. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Serves 4 to 6.
Consider adding just about any fresh, frozen, or canned vegetable or beans you have on hand, use ground pork, veal, turkey, or bulk sausage instead of the beef, or eliminate the meat entirely.
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