SUCCESS TEX MEX BAKE

This is a recipe I picked up years ago from Success Rice.  It is quick, easy, and tasty.

1 bag Success White Rice
non-stick cooking spray
1 can (10-oz) Ro-tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1 lb browned and drained ground beef
4 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 can (15-oz) chili beans
1 lb pasteurized prepared cheese product (ie Velveeta), cut into cubes, divided
sliced green onions for garnish, optional
sour cream for garnish/serving, optional

Prepare rice according to the package directions; set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rice, Ro-tel, and prepared ground beef; set aside.

Cover the bottom of the baking pan/dish with the crushed tortilla chips.  Layer half the cheese over the chips.  Spread the beans over the cheese and top with the rice/beef mixture.  Finish off by topping with the other half of the cheese.

Bake casserole at 350 degrees, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and dish is heated through.

To serve, garnish with the green onions and add a dollop of sour cream to each serving, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

Note: Cooked, diced or shredded chicken may be used instead of the ground beef if you prefer.