Shortcut Red Beans and Rice

cooking oil (vegetable, canola, olive oil)

andouille or other spicy smoked sausage , coarsely chopped

slices bacon , chopped

onion , chopped

sweet bell pepper (yellow, orange, red or green), chopped

celery , chopped

large toe garlic , minced

dried basil

Creole or Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama ), or to taste, optional

freshly cracked black pepper , or to taste

bay leaf

light or dark red kidney beans , undrained

Creole cream style red beans (Blue Runner recommended)

to 3 cups chicken broth , as needed