Kielbasa Skillet Stew

5 bacon strips
1 to 1-1/2 pounds smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, undrained
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a 12-in. skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain. Cook sausage and onions in drippings over medium heat until onion is tender; drain.

Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Crumble bacon; sprinkle over stew. Makes 6-8 servings.