Beef and Rice Veneto

Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1 1/2 pounds lean ground Beef
 * 1/2 cup chopped Onion
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
 * 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
 * 2 teaspoons Sugar
 * 2 6-ounce cans low-sodium vegetable juice or tomato juice
 * 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
 * 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoonhot pepper sauce
 * salt (optional)
 * 1 cup sliced fresh Mushrooms
 * 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
 * 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
 * 3 tablespoons water
 * 3 cups hot cooked rice
 * sliced fresh Mushrooms for garnish (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Cook Beef, Onion and garlic in 4-quart Dutch oven until meat is no longer pink. Stir to crumble meat; pour off fat.
 * 2) Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Sugar, juice, vinegar, pepper sauce and salt (if desired) to Beef mixture.
 * 3) Cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 * 4) Add Mushrooms, green pepper and cornstarch dissolved in water. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened and vegetables are tender.
 * 5) Serve over hot rice. Garnish with additional Mushroom slices, if desired.