Turkey or Lean Beef Meat Sauce (Optional Crock Pot)

No added fat just lots of flavor in this chunky meat sauce. Not just chunky from the meat but from the diced vegies which adds flavor and keeps the fat down without adding to much meat! You can sweeten the sauce if the tomatoes are not sweet enough but wait till it simmers for 1/2 an hour then taste and season as you like. The carrot has a way of taking any tang from the sauce and the onions sweeten it. This make alot so you can have some for dinner and freeze some for the future.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 25

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground turkey or 1  lb  90% lean ground beef
• 1  onion, diced
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  red bell pepper, diced
• 1  carrot, diced
• 1  celery, diced
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1 -2  tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 -2  tablespoon dried parsley
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  pinch red pepper flakes
• 5  lbs crushed tomatoes
• 1  tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
•  salt and pepper
•  freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large heavy hot pot over medium high heat brown meat. Add onions, garlic, pepper, carrot, and celery and cook till meat is lightly browned being sure to stir often.
2. Add rest of ingredients and bring to a boil then simmer over very low heat for an hour or two. Can be placed in a crock pot and cooked on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Stirring to prevent the sauce from burning.
4. Serve over your favorite pasta topping with cheese, or use for baked ziti, lasagna or use to top a pizza.