Instructions: 1. To make the meatballs, in a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, 1/2 package taco seasoning mix, cilantro, bread crumbs, carrots, and 1/2 Cup of the water. Mix to blend well. Roll into 24 balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Set aside.

2. For the beans and rice, in a 4- or 5-quart electric slow cooker, mix together the remaining 3 Cups water with the remaining taco seasoning mix, olives, green chiles, garlic, bell pepper, and rice. Gently push the meatballs down into the rice mixture.

3. Cover and cook on the low heat setting 4 hours, or until the rice is just tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

4. Gently stir in the beans. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer.

NOTES : Heres a one-dish meal thats a surefire hit. Be sure to use extra-lean ground beef in the meatballs so you dont end up with excess fat in this dish. Serve with small bowls of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, green tomatillo salsa and sour cream to spoon on top.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.