Beef Rice Casserole

Description
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

 * 1 pound lean ground beef
 * 1/3 cup chopped green pepper
 * 1/2 cup chopped onion
 * 1 cup chopped celery
 * 1 cup uncooked rice
 * 1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed vegetable beef soup, prepared according to label directions
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
 * 1 3-ounce can chow mein noodles (optional)

Directions
Brown beef in large skillet over medium heat. Add green pepper, onion, celery and rice. Cook until rice is golden. Add soup, salt, pepper and pepper sauce. Heat to boiling; stir well. Pour into 2-quart casserole.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes. Sprinkle noodles over casserole before serving, if desired.