Cherokee Casserole
["1 lb. ground beef", "1/2 c. onion, chopped", "1 tsp. salt", "1/4 tsp. garlic powder", "1/8 tsp. thyme", "1/4 tsp. oregano", "1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes", "1 can cream of mushroom soup", "1 c. Minute rice (uncooked)", "4 slices American cheese (strips)", "1/8 tsp. pepper", "1/2 small bay leaf (optional)"]
["Brown meat and onion; cook until onion is transparent.", "Stir in seasonings and tomatoes.", "Add soup and rice; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.", "Place mixture in baking dish.", "Top with cheese strips.", "Broil briefly until cheese is melted.", "Yields 6 servings."]
["ground beef", "onion", "salt", "garlic powder", "thyme", "oregano", "tomatoes", "cream of mushroom soup", "rice", "American cheese", "pepper", "bay leaf"]