Italian Joe's on Ciabatta - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Ingredients:

• 1&1/2 pounds ground sweet Italian sausage
• 1 pound of ground round
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large diced onion
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can of tomato puree
• 1 28-ounce diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• Ciabatta bread

Directions:

Brown sausage and ground round in 2 tablespoons of olive oil in large pot over medium high heat, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon for about 10-15 minutes. Transfer meat to paper towel and set aside. Discard drippings.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in same pot over medium high heat and sauté onion until wilted. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in bell pepper, carrot, celery and tomato paste; cook until vegetables are wilted. Stir in tomato puree, diced tomatoes, and remaining seasonings and browned meat. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Add wine, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar, then bring mixture to a boil. Simmer sauce until thickened, approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper.

Slice ciabatta bread and spoon the Italian joe onto the bread and serve.

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