Italian-style Spinach Bake

Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * ½ pound lean ground beef
 * 1 cup chopped onion
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 3 cups cooked rice
 * 1 x 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
 * 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey jack cheese
 * ¾ cup milk
 * 4 eggs, beaten
 * ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1 x 15-ounce can tomato sauce
 * ½ teaspoon garlic powder
 * ½ teaspoon basil leaves
 * ½ teaspoon oregano leaves
 * ½ teaspoon seasoned pepper
 * ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

 * 1) Cook beef, onion and garlic in large skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.
 * 2) Add rice, spinach and Monterey jack cheese; mix well.
 * 3) Combine milk, eggs and pepper; stir into rice mixture.
 * 4) Turn into greased shallow 2-quart baking dish.
 * 5) Bake at 350 °F for 30 minutes or until set.
 * 6) Meanwhile, blend tomato sauce, garlic powder, basil, oregano and seasoned pepper in small saucepan.
 * 7) Simmer about 5 minutes.
 * 8) Cut spinach mixture into squares and serve topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.