Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 3-4 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1-2 tablespoon chili powder (or use chipotle chili powder or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or to taste)
• 2 cups tomato sauce (can add in more)
• 1 (13 ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with juice)
• salt
• 1-2 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 teaspoon louisianna hot sauce (add in only if you like extreme spicy!)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed under cold water
• 5-8 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped (optional, or use dryed smoked sausage, sliced)
• 4 cups cooked rice

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add in onions, garlic green bell pepper and crushed chili flakes; saute until veggies are soft (about 8 minutes).

3. 3

   Sprinkle with chili powder and paprika, cook about 1 minute.

4. 4

   Add in tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes and hot sauce (if using) season with salt and add in sugar to taste if needed.

5. 5

   Add in beans, cooked ground beef and bacon if using; mix to combine and simmer for about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Serve mixed or over rice topped with a dollup of sour cream if desired.