PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Combine meat and 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce; spread evenly into greased deep 9-in. pie plate.
MIX remaining sauce with rice; spoon over meat. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheese; cover with foil.
BAKE 25 min. Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Continue baking, uncovered, 15 min. Let stand 10 min. Carefully drain off any fat, then cut into 6 wedges to serve.