Carrisa's Chunky Veggie Pasta Sauce

Carrisa's Chunky Veggie Pasta

This recipe and photo just arrived from Carrisa in Salt Lake City.  The recipe is loaded with tomatoes.  So all of you tomato lovers out there - go for it!   Those of you that are looking for a vegetarian pasta dish can omit the ground beef.  Thank you Carrisa for sharing this yummy recipe with us!

CARRISA'S CHUNKY VEGGIE PASTA

2 T. butter
2 T. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 lb ground beef -optional
2-4 c. water (just to cover)
1 large 28 oz. can peeled tomatoes, cut into chunks (add juice)
1 small 6 oz. can tomato paste
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 red bell pepper, diced really small
2 carrots cut into quarters and sliced
3 small zucchini cut into quarters and sliced
dash of crushed red pepper
sea salt and pepper to taste

In a ceramic cast iron pan saute onion and garlic in butter and olive oil over a medium heat.  Add 1 lb. of ground beef and continue cooking until the meat is done.  Add remaining ingredients.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until carrots and zucchini are tender.

Carrisa serves her chunky veggie sauce over brown rice pasta.