Spanish Rice

[ButterSticks]

1/2 lb. bacon
1/2 lb. hamburger
1 med. onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 cup regular uncooked rice (not instant)
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 can red kidney beans (optional)

Fry bacon until crisp - drain on paper towels.
Cook hamburger and onion in large Dutch Oven until brown, add remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling, stirring often. Cover and reduce heat to simmer until rice is tender, about 30 min., stirring occasionally. Add small amount of water during cooking if necessary. Crumple bacon and add when done, and sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.