Italian Meat Sauce

from Jackie Halsema

2 LB lean ground beef
1 chopped onion
1/2 green pepper chopped(opt)
1 #3 can peeled crushed tomatoes*
1 Tbs. basil
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 LB Italian sausage (opt)
2 cloves garlic chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
1 16 oz can tomato sauce*
1 Tbs. oregano (opt)
1 Tbs. parsley 

Brown meat with garlic & onion and salt. Add green pepper & celery. Sauté till veg. cooked. Add remaining ingredients & cook at least 1 hour.

*If I’m in a hurry. I just add browned meat, 1 clove garlic & some basil & parsley to commercial sauce such as 2 jars Classico tomato & Basil.