1 c. salad oil
1 c. chopped celery
1 tsp. sweet basil
1 tsp. oregano leaves
1 tbsp. sugar
2 lb. ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. finely chopped green pepper
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp. fresh garlic
2 (1 lb. 12 oz.) tomato puree
4 (1 lb. 12 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes

Sauté onions, celery and peppers in oil for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet basil, oregano leaves, bay leaf and sugar and add salt to taste. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours.

While sauce is simmering, sauté ground beef and drain well. Add to tomato sauce mixture and heat thoroughly. Adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Makes 1 gallon.