Make Ahead Beef Mix

The Make Ahead Beef Mix is a master mix that will create several meals using other recipes.

• 4 pounds lean ground beef
• 4 medium onions, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, optional

1. Wash hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing for 20 seconds.
2. Wash produce under cool running water, rubbing to remove dirt. Dry. Cut to prepare for the recipe.
3. In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef, onions, celery, and green pepper on medium-high heat. Break up meat as it cooks.
4. Rewash hands after handling raw meat.
5. Cook until the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F as measured on a meat thermometer.
6. Drain excess fat.
7. Return beef to the pan and add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. Pack into 1-cup freezer containers, label, date, and place in the freezer for up to four months.
9. Use this beef mix to prepare other recipes. Thaw in refrigerator overnight or microwave to use in the recipes.