Frito Pie Rice Bake

Frito Pie Rice Bake

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 15 oz canned tomato sauce (I used diced tomatoes as we didn’t have sauce, it worked fine, but I feel the sauce would have a much bolder and more even flavor so it’s up to you)
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (but could use brown rice if you want too!)
• 3 cups water or beef broth/stock
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Reggiano, shredded/shaved/powdered/etc
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Frito chips
• 1 tsp parsley
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (does not have to be in there, I like my food spicy)
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Add the rice and water (or beef broth/stock) to a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, making sure that the liquid doesn’t boil over.
2. While the rice is cooking, brown the beef in a skillet until cooked through and then add the taco seasoning to it, mixing it until evenly throughout the meat. Turn off the heat and add the tomato sauce. (make sure to have all of the meat to be brown, don’t need anyone getting sick! At the same time though, you don’t want to overcook it as then the meat will dry out and lose a lot of flavor)
3. Transfer the finished rice over to a medium to large bowl and dump in the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, and cayenne pepper and then stir all of the ingredients together with a spatula or wooden spoon until mixed evenly.
4. In a 2quart baking dish (or gallon, it Does make a lot so just make sure you know what size dish you need for baking), place half of the rice in the bottom, evenly spread out. Top it with half of the crushed Fritos, then half the meat and half the cheddar cheese. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients, topping it all off with the Parmesan Reggiano.
5. Move the dish over to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

NOTE:
Can add sauteed onions, raw or grilled green bell peppers, maybe even jalapenos also to add a bit of veggies and/or more spice to the dish.