1 lb. ground beef (chicken or turkey may be substituted)
6 slices bacon
1 lg. carrot, chopped
1 lg. stalk celery
1 med. onion, chopped
2 lg. cans crushed tomatoes
1 sm. can tomato paste
5-6 sprigs of parsley
4-5 leaves fresh basil
1 sm. clove garlic, chopped (or garlic powder may be substituted)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside. Cook meat and chopped vegetables in bacon fat until brown. Drain excess fat. Add bacon, spices and tomatoes. Add tomato paste with 1/2 cup water. Let simmer for approximately 2 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over spaghetti, tortellini or your favorite pasta!