Spanish Rice

½ lb bacon diced and browned
1 pound lean ground beef, optional (I do not put it in, I don’t remember hamburger in it as a kid)
3 Tbl vegetable oil or bacon drippings
½ C onion chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes undrained
1 10oz can tomatoes with green chilies and liquid
½ green bell pepper, chopped
1 8oz can tomato sauce
2 C uncooked long grain rice (not instant)
1 garlic clove finely minced

Wash rice and drain well; let dry.

Brown bacon.
Heat oil in heavy skillet over medium heat; add rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Add onions, garlic, green peppers, and ground beef. Stir and break up meat; cook until onion is tender and lightly browned.

Add tomatoes and seasonings. Cover and simmer about 25 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving.