Baked Rice With Sausage

2 lbs. bulk Italian sausage 4 celery ribs, thinly sliced

1 lg. onion 1 lg. green pepper chopped

4 ½ c. water 3/4 c. dry chicken noodle mix (1 ½ env)

1 can cream of chicken soup undiluted 1 c. uncooked long grain rice

1/4 c. dry bread crumbs 2 T. butter or margarine

In large skillet, cook sausage, celery, onions and green pepper until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, drain. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and add dry soup mix. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in canned soup, rice and sausage mixture, mix well. Transfer to 13 x 9 x 2" baking dish. Cover and bake 40 to 50 minutes. Toss bread crumbs and butter. Sprinkle over rice mixture. Bake uncovered 10 to 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.