1 pound mild Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup pasta sauce
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 small onion, halved and sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Hot cooked rice

Brown sausage in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Drain and discard fat.

Place sausage, beans, pasta sauce, bell pepper, onion, salt and black pepper in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours.

Serve with rice.

Makes 4 to 5 servings.