[canadiyank]

I do a giant pot, so just use smaller am'ts if you want just an evening's worth:

2 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. hot Italian sausage (try to find it w/o the casings)
1 lb. mild Italian sausage
2 diced onions
garlic to taste

Brown above. After it's browned and drained, add:

6-8 big cans of tomatoes (any type - I either use home canned or diced Italian herbs-flavoured cans)
4 cans of tomato paste (I usually pick the herbs kinds)
4 cans of drained mushroom pieces

Stir it all together, season to taste using pepper and Italian herbs (dried mixed herbs, or basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.) and simmer with a vented lid for 2 hrs, stirring occasionally.

You can also add other things like diced summer squash, carrots, celery, etc, anything you like. You can also use 2 lbs. of medium Italian sausage if you can't find the others, but the hot adds more of a kick. Near the end and if it seems too watery add a can or two more of paste. You can also add 3 tbs. of sugar if you like. Cool and freeze in quart jars. I usually get a few lasagnas, spaghetti dinner, and a few quarts of sauce out of this recipe.