Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely grated
• 1 medium zucchini, finely grated
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

2. 2

   Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

3. 3

   Stir in grated carrot, zucchini, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

4. 4

   Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

5. 5

   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. 6

   Serve hot over cooked pasta or rice.