Gullah Red Rice

1 . Stage

Place bacon in a pot and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Add bell pepper and onion to bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add sausage and cook and stir until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove mixture from the pan to a bowl.

2 . Stage

Pour tomato sauce and tomato paste into the same pot, along with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil; add rice, sugar, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring back to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.

3 . Stage

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4 . Stage

Transfer rice mixture to a 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover with foil.

5 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until liquid has evaporated and rice is tender, about 25 minutes.