Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 carrot
  • 4 oz. smoked ham
  • 1 c. water
  • 3 to 4 cans whole tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • dash of black pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1/3 c. white wine or chicken broth
  • 10 to 12 oz. spaghetti or other pasta

Method

  • In a skillet, saute ground beef in 1 tablespoon oil until meat loses its pinkness.
  • Transfer to a pan.
  • Peel and chop onion. Dice celery and carrot.
  • Chop ham into small pieces.
  • Saute in remaining oil with onion, celery and carrot.
  • Transfer to pan with ground beef and combine.
  • Add water, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper and thyme.
  • Cover and cook about 20 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth and cook for a few more minutes.
  • Cook pasta and drain well. Serve with sauce.