A huge roaster, onions, what seemed like 10 lbs. of hamburg and tons of tomatoes, and lots of spaghetti made this recipe our very own. The one ingredient that makes this sauce is -- of all things -- ketchup! I've tried on different occasions to leave out the ketchup, but it's not the same. Since Dad couldn't eat spicy foods, Mom didn't usually include peppers or chili flakes. But they go nicely with this sauce. One last thing... it's one of 3 ingredients in our favorite Lasagna. Keep that in mind.
In a large crock pot, slow cooker or roaster, brown beef, onions, pepper, celery and mushrooms. Add spices when beef is almost all brown. When beef is browned, add juice from canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine well. Add ketchup, stir well, then add tomatoes Simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Freezes well for up to one year.