Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Rinse the rice in a fine colander until the water runs clear.

In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add onions, peppers, and sausage to the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender and are slightly browned at the sides(about 3-4 minutes).

Stir the tomato paste, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the vegetables and sausage.

Add the rice to the tomato mixture and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.

Remove from heat and transfer the rice mixture to a prepared 9x13 pan.

Add just enough water (about 2 cups) to the pan to cover the rice and tightly cover the pan with baking foil.

Bake for 30 minutes. Do not remove the foil during baking time.

Remove the pan, turn off the oven and fluff the rice.

Recover the pan and return to the warm oven for about 10 minutes to allow the rice to soak up any remaining liquid.

Remove from the oven, fluff, and serve.