Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each white, black and cayenne pepper
• 4 to 6 drops hot pepper sauce
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• Fresh basil, optional