Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium carrots scraped and shredded
• 1 small stalk celery finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 14 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 28 oz can tomatoes with juice pureed in a blender or food processor
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 c dry red wine optional
• 1 lb spaghetti linguine or vermicelli
• fresh grated Parmesan cheese optional

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat saut onions garlic carrots and celery in olive oil When onions are translucent but not brown add ground beef Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until brown Stir in tomato puree tomato paste Italian parsley bay leaf and wine Reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes until thick but not dry If sauce gets too dry add a little broth or water In the meantime cook pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente tender but firm Drain water and return pasta to warm pan Just before serving add sauce and toss well Offer fresh grated Parmesan cheese for those who want it Makes 6 to 8 servings