French Quarter Sausage, Red Beans and Rice Pizza

Second Prize - 1998 National Sausage Month Contest
Submitted by Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 12-inch prepared pizza crust
1 ½ cups chopped andouille or smoked sausage
1 small onion, chopped
½ medium green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 16-ounce can red or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
½  tsp. ground red pepper, or as desired
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as desired
½ cup cooked white rice
8 oz. (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup chopped and seeded plum tomatoes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium, nonstick skillet placed over medium heat, saute sausage for three to four minutes.  Add beans, ground red pepper, salt and black pepper, stirring until heated through.
2. Spread bean mixture over pizza crust; sprinkle with rice, cheese and tomatoes. Bake in preheated oven for eight to ten minutes or until cheese is melted.