base recipe

ground beef base

►►►make ahead up to 3 months

Start to Finish: 35 minutes Makes: 11 1-cup portions

• 4 pounds ground beef
• 1½ cups chopped onions (3 medium)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium)
• ½ cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

1. In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven cook ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium-high heat until meat is browned, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. Stir in salt and pepper.

2. To store, place Ground Beef Base in freezer containers. Cover and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw portions in the refrigerator overnight.