Brown Rice Taco Bake

Leftovers have become a very important part of my day. Three out of the four of us has to take a lunch with us each weekday.

Rich comes home for lunch and I take one to work and Henry takes one to daycare. That's 3 meals that I don't want to make every morning.

If Rich doesn't have leftovers in the fridge when he comes home for lunch, he usually runs to Mcdonalds or Subway or throws in a frozen pizza.

And I find that when I don't have a meal with leftovers planned, I tend to pack more junky crap food for Henry and I. I don't like to eat the crap food and even more than that I don't like to feed it to my family.

So, that is why leftovers are a requirement when I'm planning my weekly meals. This taco bake provides perfect leftover squares all ready for me in the morning. Each serving has 287 calories (and that's a pretty nice-sized square) and the ingredients are healthy and fill you right up.

Brown Rice Taco Bake

Crust:

1 c. whole wheat flour

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. garlic salt

2 T. butter, cold

5 T. cold water

Filling:

1 c. cooked brown rice

1 lb. very lean ground beef, bison, or venison

1 small onion, chopped

3 t. minced garlic

3/4 c. water

1 packet taco seasoning

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 c. shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, divided into 1/2 cups

Toppings (opt) such as: low-fat sour cream, salsa, lettuce

1. Mix together the flour, baking powder and garlic salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork, blending until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the water and mix well to form a soft, sticky dough. Roll onto a floured surface into a rectangle. Lay dough in a 13x9x2" baking pan (greased) and spread it flat with your fingers until the bottom is covered. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 12 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.

2. In a large skillet, fry the beef, onions and garlic (sprinkle with salt and pepper) until cooked through; drain. Mix the taco seasoning into the water and pour over beef mixture. Add in the cooked brown rice. Bring to a very soft boil and continue to cook a few minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat. Add in the beaten eggs and 1/2 c. of cheese. Stir well. Pour over the cooked crust. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

3. Cut into squares (makes 8 servings) and top with remaining cheese and other optional toppings.

Henry loves this dish!

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