Taco rice

I like this recipe since I know it's full of stuff that I know my kids will eat.  It makes a bunch so I know they'll all get enough to eat if they have a hungry day.  If they aren't, leftovers for me for lunch!

1 tbs olive oil
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
1 crushed clove of garlic
3 1/3 cups water or chicken broth
1 lime, zested and juiced, divided
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves


1 can of refried beans, or home made beans
1 lbs cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
14 ounces salsa verde (home made version here)
4-6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Toast your rice in olive oil for 2-3 minutes over medium high heat
Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute
Add broth or water and lime zest and cook according to directions, ours was simmer covered for 20 minutes and steam for 5 minutes
Fluff with a fork and all chopped cilantro and lime juice and stir to combine
Taste for seasoning here.  If you are using low salt broth or water, you'll want to add salt.

In a 13 X 9 pan layer as follows:
Cilantro lime rice
Refried beans
Cooked ground beef
Onions and peppers
Salsa verde
Shredded cheese

Bake at 350 until bubbly all around, about 20 minutes.