Sicilian Style Pasta Sauce W/Meat or Not

Bev in NY's Note:

This recipe was concocted from a base of an old Sicilian recipe, then morphed into something that used what I had on hand. And a great way to use those nefarious, too soft, canned carrots that we all wish we would have frozen instead! It was a hit with the teens and quite flavorful. From my kitchen to yours. Buon appetito!

• Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 6 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 3.0 cups

• 1 lb ground beef (optional)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove , crushed or minced
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons sugar (optional)
• 1 small onion , minced
• ½ cup carrot , canned, mashed
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

Directions:

1. In medium skillet, brown ground beef until cooked.
2. drain and return to skillet along with olive oil, garlic, herbs and onion.
3. saute until onion is translucent, stirring constantly.
4. add carrots and saute for a few minutes more.
5. put mixture into slow cooker.
6. add crushed tomatoes.
7. simmer on low for 5 to 6 hours in slow cooker.
8. serve with fettucine, linguine, spaghetti or medium tube type pastas.