Beef Creole and Rice

Feeding kids is challenging. Especially a lot of kids, all at the same time. See - they all have different tastes and likes, and it is near IMPOSSIBLE to please everyone at the same time. So I started a side-blog...one that I could put recipes on for other moms like me. Moms who are tired. Moms who hate cooking the same things over and over. Moms on a budget. Moms with more kids than hands. Moms that are DESPERATE.

For all those moms out there like me...I understand. I relate. I am here to help...I think.

For my first entry, I thought I'd start with what we're having for dinner tonight...and that is: Beef Creole and Rice.

Don't worry...it's not tricky, and doesn't require hard to find ethnic ingredients. It is safe for all white girls out there...well, it's safe for EVERYONE, but I've noticed white girls have a fear of anything that's not distinctly "American", so my disclaimer is really for them. Don't worry, gringas!! I understand!! I, too, used to fear the ethnic aisle at the local grocery store. Stick with me a little while, and I'll help you overcome your fear...but first, we're gonna start out slow, and that is Beef Creole and Rice.

Beef Creole and Rice is easy, cheap, and yummy. It meets all the requirements for your average weekday dinner. It pairs nice with a simple green or (especially) fruit salad. You can spice it up or mellow it out...it is COMPLETELY up to interpretation.

And for those EXTRA picky eaters...you can serve just the rice. (I have one of those. No Beef Creole...just Rice. With soy sauce. Whatever.)

Beef Creole With Rice

1 lb. ground beef

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/4 tsp. garlic salt (I use real minced garlic and a pinch of salt...about 2 cloves worth)

1 medium bell pepper, cut into thin strips

2 cups diagonally sliced celery

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 tsp chili powder (heres where I up it a bit...I add 1 TBS)

2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 TBS flour

3 cups conventional white rice

-Start rice following package directions. While it simmers/steams, prepare Beef Creole as follows:

-Cook ground beef with onion and garlic until brown. Drain off fat.

- Add bell pepper, celery, juice from the can of tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

-Heat to boiling, then reduce to low heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

- In a cup, blend 1/4 cup water with 1 TBS flour

- Gradually stir into the meat mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.

- Add the tomatoes from the can of tomatoes

- Heat thoroughly

- Serve over the hot rice

courtesy Deseret Recipes