Red Beans and Rice? No Way, This is Too Good

When someone says "red beans and rice" most everyone runs.... that's good, more for us! I found this recipe years ago, tweaked and made it tasty tasty tasty, the leftovers are even better.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6  slices bacon, pre-cut it into little pieces (freeze it for a few minutes for easier cutting)
• 1⁄2 green pepper (chopped or sliced thin)
• 1  medium onion (chopped or sliced thin)
• 3  garlic cloves, minced (or if I run out-garlic powder equalling 3 cloves garlic)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, undrained
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 -2  teaspoon salt (I like sea or kosher)
• 1  Polish sausage, sliced (you can put any kind you like or up to a pound- we like the skinless kielbasa)
• 1  tablespoon vinegar
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1  cup cooked rice

Directions

1. In a large, heavy saucepan, saute bacon until lightly browned.
2. Remove all but 2 tablespoons fat.
3. Add onion, green pepper and garlic, saute until soft.
4. Add remaining ingredients except vinegar, sugar and rice. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in vinegar and sugar for last few minutes then serve over rice.
6. *note: this recipe I've found hinges on the bacon You need good (perhaps cheap) bacony bacon, not extra lean, you want that tasty bacon- I usually up the bacon amount to half a package or more :).
7. *variations: omit sausage for side dish-also.after all steps, mix with rice and throw in crockpot on warm and rice will soak up juice;.instead of sausage use boneless chicken.