Freezer-Ready Tomato Ground Beef Mix

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This is a very handy starter mix for all kinds of recipes...I always keep it handy in my freezer, and use it for recipes calling for ground beef...it sure saves a lot of time, as you don't have to start to fry ground beef, and the onions and garlic are already in it, a real time-saver! You can add in 2 cups crushed or diced tomatoes also if desired.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 4 pounds

• 4 lbs lean ground beef
• 4 medium onions , chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 2 cups celery , chopped
• ¼ cup oil (optional)
• 1 lb fresh mushrooms , sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup tomato paste (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon seasoning salt (or to taste)
• black pepper
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, but good to add in)

Directions:

1. In a x-large Dutch oven, cook ground beef, onions, celery and garlic over medium heat in oil until meat is no longer pink; drain fat.
2. Add in tomato paste and mushrooms; mix to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; mix well, cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
4. Cool to room temperature, the freeze mixture in 2-cup portions in plastic freezer containers.
5. May be frozen for up to 3 months.
6. Thaw in the refrigerator or in the microwave before using.