bolognese n rigatoni

2 tsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
(I cheat and double the recipe and use TJ's mirepoix)
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 lb ground lean beef or ground turkey
(I cheat and use 1 pkg of TJ's uncooked chicken silician sausage and 1 pkg of uncooked sweet chicken italian sausage or sweet italian pork sausage...or spice it up with spicy italian pork sausage & double the recipe if you use 2 lbs of meat)
1-28 oz can diced tomatoes
1/4 c finely chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 c dry red wine
1 fresh rosemary sprig
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 cups of rigatoni or favorite pasta
1/4 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

Heat the oil in large non-stick pan over medium high heat.  Add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic and mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes.  Add the meat and cook.  Stir in the tomatoes and remaining ingredients.  Bring to a good bubble and then reduce the heat to simmer and cook for at least an hour.  Discard the rosemary and the bay leaf.  (can be made a day ahead)

Cook the rigatoni or pasta of choice.  Drain and transfer to a large bowl....add the sauce and toss.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and the basil leaves....this dish is soooo full of flavor...enjoy!!

created by Rachel W