Spaghetti Sauce

This stuff isn't too hard to make, and you can serve it with something other than spaghetti, if you want.  It does take a little time to prepare, but you can make it ahead and even freeze it for a later date.

Makes 4 - 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 lbs. ground meat (turkey, beef, or Italian sausage without casings work very well)
1 - 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 - 2 red or green bell peppers, chopped, seeds & pith removed
1 - 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
24 oz. - 48 oz. of canned tomato or pasta sauce (depending on how thick you want your sauce)
salt and pepper
a few dashes of hot sauce (optional)


COOKING DIRECTIONS

Brown meat in a deep skillet or cooking pot over medium heat, stirring frequently and breaking apart larger chunks.  Drain excess fat, if necessary.  Add onion and celery; cook for 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently.  Stir in bell pepper and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.  Add the basil, oregano, and tomato sauce.  Stir to combine, and reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.  Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using) and serve with your favorite pasta.


VARIATIONS & FUN TIPS

- The longer you cook the sauce, the more flavorful it gets.  Just make sure to stir it occasionally and keep the heat low.  You may be tempted to turn the heat up to cook the sauce faster, but don't.  This will cause it to dry up and scorch.  And that's not fun to eat or clean up.

- For a vegetarian dish, use a meat alternative and serve the sauce over baked spaghetti squash.

- 1/2 tsp. of ground rosemary and sage can be added to give the sauce a different flavor.

- You can add other veggies to the sauce, if you want.  Shredded carrots or zucchini, sliced mushrooms and chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh) are nice choices.

- Some people like more or less of the herbs and garlic, so adjust the seasonings to your tastes.  The same goes for the vegetables.  Remove what you don't like and add more of what you do like!

- You can use this sauce in lasagna and baked ziti.  It's also great on pizza.