Meatball Jambalaya

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup rice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch squares (2/3 cup)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Combine tomatoes, rice, water, green pepper, onion, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, oregano, thyme and bay leaf in a 3-quart casserole.
2. In a large bowl, mix remaining ingredients; shape in 1 1/2 to 2 inch balls and place in casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour 15 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. If after 45 minutes the rice is dry, add 1/4 cup boiling water.