Crockpot Sausage Black Beans and Rice

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried Black Beans Soaked Overnight
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 16 ounces Chicken Sausage
• 1 whole Onion, Diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes and Juice
• 6 cups Chicken Broth
• 4 whole Carrots, Diced
• 4 stalks Celery, Diced
• 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Seeds Removed and Diced
• 1 teaspoon Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 2 tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce Or To Taste
• 1 cup Brown Rice
• 4 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon Salt or To Taste
• 1 teaspoon Pepper or To Taste
• For Serving: Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt, Lime, Green Onions, Cilantro and Grated Cheese

Cooking Directions

1. In a large pan heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and brown on both sides. Add diced onion and cook until onion starts to caramelize.
2. Put sausage and onions in the crock pot. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, carrots, celery, bell pepper, thyme, italian seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, hot sauce and rice. 
3. Stir mixture well and cook on high 6 hours or low 8-10 hours.
4. 30 minutes- 1 hour before serving stir in tomato paste, salt and pepper.
5. Serve with desired topping.