Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice

1 medium onion , chopped

1 -2 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic

1 green bell pepper , chopped

1 -2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 -2 tablespoon chili powder (or use chipotle chili powder or to taste)

1 teaspoon paprika (or to taste)

2 cups tomato sauce (can add in more)

1 (13 ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with juice)

salt

1 -2 teaspoon sugar

1 -2 teaspoon louisianna hot sauce (add in only if you like extreme spicy!)

2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans , drained and rinsed under cold water

5 -8 slices bacon , cooked and finely chopped (optional, or use dryed smoked sausage, sliced)

4 cups cooked rice