My Mom s Sausage & Rice Casserole

1 pound pork sausage, sliced

½ onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

½ cup uncooked long grain white rice

1 (4.5 ounce) package chicken noodle soup mix

2 cups hot water

½ cup slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large skillet over medium high heat, combine the sausage, onion, celery and green bell pepper and saute for 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Stir the dry rice in with the sausage and vegetables, then add the water and the soup mix. Transfer this mixture to a lightly greased 2 quart casserole dish and top with the almonds.

Bake, covered, at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 90 minutes.