Savory Spanish-Style Beef with Rice

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 French bread
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) stewed tomatoes
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme