Serves 6, Prep 15 mins, Cook 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 150g shortcut bacon, chopped
• 1 cups medium grain rice
• 40g sachet French onion simmer soup
• zucchini (350g), grated
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup grated Tasty cheese

Method

1. Heat an oiled, medium, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and bacon. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minute or until the onion is soft.
2. Transfer onion mixture to an oiled, large ovenproof dish (12-cup). Add the rice, soup mix, zucchini, milk, water and half the cheese. Stir to combine.
   Cover tightly with oiled foil.
3. Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and discard the foil. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Return to oven.
4. Cook, uncovered, for a further 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and top is golden brown.

TIP

For a change, replace French onion simmer soup with chicken noodle simmer soup. Or for a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add ½ cup drained, roasted red capsicum strips.