Christopher's Lovin' Food

(Ground Beef & Sausage with Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce)

1 pound ground beef

¾ pound mild and/or hot Italian sausage, casings removed

2 medium onions, chopped

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 (26-ounce) jar tomato and basil pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce with mushrooms

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced peeled tomatoes, undrained

1 ½ tablespoons dried basil

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

½ cup heavy cream

Freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese to taste (optional)

1 pound tagliatelle or fettuccine, cooked according to package directions and drained. (I like farfalle or rigatoni)



1. Combine the beef and sausage in a large heavy skillet on top of the stove. Add the onions and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well browned, about 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat.

2. Transfer the meat mixture to a 3 ½ quart (or larger) electric slow cooker. Stir in the garlic, pasta sauce, tomatoes with their liquid, and dried basil.

3. Cover and cook on the low heat setting 4 to 4 ½ hours. Stir every 30-60 minutes. Stir in the fresh basil and cream before serving. Spoon the sauce over the noodles and toss. Serve at once.

This sauce freezes well.


Rachel Horstmann