1 c. chopped onion
2 tbsp. bacon fat
2 c. canned tomatoes
1 c. diced celery
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt (or less)
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 1/2 lb. green beans, French
Grated sharp cheddar
Buttered bread crumbs
Bacon (optional)

Saute onion in bacon fat. When light brown, add tomatoes, celery, green pepper. Season with sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaf, parsley and garlic. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove bay leaf and garlic. Boil green beans in lightly salted water until tender; drain. Place alternate layers of beans, tomato sauce, cheese (and bacon, if desired) in a buttered casserole. Top with buttered crumbs and bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Serves 6-8.