Macaroni with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef (Lean ground beef recommended)
• 2 tablespoons Ham fat or bacon grease (For richness and flavor)
• 1 medium Onion (Chopped)
• 1 Celery stalk (Chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (Chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly ground, or to taste)
• 0.25 cup Dry red wine (Optional, adds depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Hot water (To dissolve tomato paste)
• 1 cup Water (For simmering)
• 1 pound Macaroni pasta (Elbow macaroni or other small pasta shape)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (For serving)

Instructions

1. 1Chop the onion, celery, and parsley. Set aside.
2. 2In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the ham fat or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3Add the chopped onion, celery, and parsley to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute until mostly absorbed. In a small bowl, dissolve the tomato paste in the hot water. Add the tomato mixture to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
5. 5Add the remaining water, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
6. 6While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
7. 7Pour the meat sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.