Spanish Rice with Beef

This is what I cooked tonight... it is a very easy dish to prepare...

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup uncooked regular rice
2/3 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (16 ounces) stewed tomatoes
5 slices bacon, crisply fried and crumbled
2 cups water
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Cook and stir meat and onion in large skillet until meat is brown. Drain off fat. Stir in remaining ingredients.

TO COOK IN SKILLET: Heat mixture to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender, about 30 minutes. (A small amount of water can be added if necessary.)

TO COOK IN OVEN: Pour mixture into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Cover and bake in 375 degree oven, stiring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes.

6 servings (1 cup each)

BELLA'S NOTES:

This is one of Betty Crocker's recipes. I usually omit the bacon (too much fat). I always cook it in the skillet on top of the stove. (I tried the oven once and it turned out horrible.)