Versatile Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 lbs. hamburger
• 1 medium onion, chopped small
• 4 large carrots, scraped and chopped small
• 2 stalks celery, strings removed and chopped small
• broccoli stems, peeled and chopped small
• 1 cup corn
• salt and pepper
• bay leaf
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped small
• small can tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can tomato paste
• 3 Tbsp. ketchup
• water or broth to desired thickness

Directions:

In a frying pan, cook the hamburger. Add a little salt then drain liquid out. In a one gallon pot, add onions, celery and garlic. Heat and stir for 5 minutes. Add meat, cook for 2 minutes then add remaining prepped foods. Stir, bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. Stir at regular times so it doesn't stick.

I let it cool then put the sauce in containers with covers that will stand in fridge. When I get home, I take out whatever amount I need for dinner and heat it up. I can make Sloppy Joes or add spice to make a pasta sauce to put on our favorite pasta shape. Some family nights, we have rice with this sauce.

By Carolyn from Chilliwack, BC