4 slices bacon, cut fine
1 lb. ground chuck
1/2 lb. hot Italian sausage
2 lg. onions, chopped
2 lg. cloves garlic, minced
1 med. green pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 (4 oz.) cans mushroom pieces, undrained
1/4 lb. grated Cheddar cheese
3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste and 5 cans water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 - 1 1/2 tsp. basil, crushed
1 - 1 1/2 tsp. oregano, crushed
1/4 tsp. pepper
Chopped pepperoni to taste (if desired)

Fry bacon. Add sausage and chuck and cook until brown. Add onions, garlic, peppers, and celery; cook until tender. Add all other ingredients. (Adjust seasonings to taste.) Simmer, uncovered, at least 1 hour. Additional water or beef broth may be added, if needed. Serve over hot cooked pasta.