Savannah Red Rice

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  stalk celery, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2  cups white rice
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1 -1 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
•  hot sauce (I add 3-4 dashes)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in hot oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender, stir frequently.
2. Add in undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce; stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a boil; lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring often.
4. Transfer rice mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for around 1 hour or until rice is tender.