1/4 c. onion, chopped
1 tbsp. salad oil
1/2 clove garlic, crushed
1 lb. ground beef
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/4 c. water
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 bouillon cube
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped (optional)
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. oregano
1 1/3 c. boiling water
1 2/3 c. quick cooking rice
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Lightly brown onion in oil. Stir in garlic. Add meat and saute until browned, stirring occasionally. Pour off excess fat. Add remaining ingredients except 1/3 cup boiling water and rice. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour boiling water into a 2 quart casserole. Sprinkle in rice. Do not stir. Cover.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Pour hot sauce over rice and serve. If desired, rice and sauce can be served separately. Serves 3-5.