Beef Ragu With Beans

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From family circle mag january 2007.

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Steps

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Place carrots , celery , onion and garlic in a food processor.

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Pulse until finely chopped.

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In a large bowl , mix vegetables , ground beef , diced tomatoes , beef broth , tomato paste , sugar and beans.

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Add half of each: italian seasoning , salt and red pepper flakes.

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Stir until combined.

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Place mixture in a 6 quart slow cooker and cook 5 1 / 2 hours on high or 8 1 / 2 hours on low.

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Stir in remaining italian seasoning , salt and red pepper flakes.

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Cook for an additional 30 minutes.

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For 8 servings , toss half the meat sauce with rigatoni.

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Serve with grated cheese , if desired.

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Reserve other half of the sauce for future meals.

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May be frozen , tightly covered , for up to 2 months.

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Ingredients

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carrots, celery ribs, onion, garlic cloves, ground beef, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, sugar, cannellini beans, italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, rigatoni pasta, parmesan cheese