Preheat oven to 350 degrees and oil a two quart, oven safe covered casserole dish.

In a large skillet cook the sausage, crumbling as it cooks and set aside on paper towels to drain any grease. Wipe your skillet and heat the oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the onion and peppers until soft, about 7-8 minutes. Return the sausage to the onion and peppers in the skillet. Add the V8 juice, water, tomatoes, beef base and salt. Bring this to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in the rice and pour the whole mixture into the prepared casserole. Cover and bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, stir the rice, spread the cheese on top and return to the oven uncovered for 5 or 6 minutes for the cheese to melt.