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Recipe: 2-Way Basic Sauce (Mexican or Italian-style, freeze ahead)

Toppings - Sauces and Gravies
2-WAY BASIC SAUCE

"Whatever flavors you choose from below, serve this sauce atop pasta, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or rice."

FOR THE SAUCE BASE:
2 lb. ground beef, chicken, turkey, or pork
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) stewed tomatoes
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1/2 tsp. black pepper

TO MAKE THE SAUCE BASE:
In a large Dutch oven cook desired meat, chopped onions, and garlic over medium heat till meat is brown and vegetables are tender. Drain off fat.

Stir in the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and black pepper. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring mixture occasionally.

Remove sauce from heat; cool. (To cool sauce quickly, place the Dutch oven in a sink of ice water.)

TO FREEZE:
Divide the cooled sauce evenly (about 3 1/2 cups each) into 3 freezer bags or storage containers. Seal, label, and freeze sauce for up to 6 months. Each container makes enough for 4 servings.

TO PREPARE FOR SERVING:
Thaw one container of sauce in refrigerator overnight. Pour sauce (it will be partially thawed) into a large saucepan.

To make Mexican-Style Sauce:*
Add the chili peppers, cilantro, and chili powder.

To make the Italian-Style Sauce:**
Add the chopped sweet pepper, parsley, and Italian seasoning.

TO FINISH COOKING THE SAUCE:
Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more or till desired consistency.

TO SERVE:
Serve sauce over rice, pasta, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese, depending on the flavor of your sauce, if desired.

*INGREDIENTS FOR MEXICAN-STYLE SAUCE:
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili peppers
2 Tbsp. snipped fresh cilantro or parsley (or 4 tsp. dried cilantro or parsley, crushed)
1 1/2 to 2 tsp. chili powder
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

**INGREDIENTS FOR ITALIAN-STYLE SAUCE:
1/4 cup chopped green sweet pepper
2 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley (or 4 tsp. dried parsley, crushed)
2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

From: Recipelink.com
Source: Magazine recipe clipping, Better Homes and Gardens, February 1995
MsgID: 071773
Shared by: Betsy at Recipelink.com
Board: Make Ahead & Mixes at Recipelink.com
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