This is a recipe that I've adapted for my family, it was handed down to me from my mom. This is a meal that includes meat, vegetables, and rice, and if you want to add cheese you'll have a bit of dairy! Best of all it is easy and you can start it in the morning and have it for supper since you pretty much dump it in and forget it!

Step 1: Step 1: Gather the Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients:

Non-stick Cooking Spray

2 lbs of lean ground beef (hamburger will work, but you may have to strain off some grease close to the end of cooking time)

1 cup long grain rice

1 large white onion chopped

2 cans of whole, diced, or stewed tomatoes (I used a can of diced and a can of stewed for this batch)

1 teaspoon salt

Black pepper and garlic powder to taste (and/or any other seasonings you'd like)

4 slices American Cheese or about a 1" thick slice of Velveeta

*Optional: 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped and fresh or dry basil (I didn't use this for this batch).

**Another Ingredient??? I thought that I might also add a can of black beans or red kidney beans. I have not tried that yet, but I believe I will and I'll probably add cumin for more of a Tex-Mex flavor!

This recipe feeds a family of 6 and you'll have leftovers! Or you could make a small batch for a smaller family. I haven't tried it but I think ground turkey might work pretty good with this too!

Step 2: Step 2: Preparation

Prepare the crock pot by lightly spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Place the ground beef, rice, chopped onion and canned tomatoes in the crock pot.

Step 3: Step 3: Add Seasoning & Stir

Add the seasoning that you desire, here I added salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to mix the ingredients. This mixture will be very thick and you might be tempted to add liquid, but it is not recommended. Put the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. (I do stir mine a few times during cooking, but that is not necessary.)

Step 4: Step 4: Before Serving

Before serving, stir the cooked mixture well and top with cheese slices and return lid for a few minutes. Once cheese is melted it is ready to serve. Eat and enjoy!