Classic Weeknight Sauce: Brown 1 lb ground beef or sausage. Add 1 pint water + ½ cup dry mix. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
Tomato-Powered Version: Stir ¼–⅓ cup mix into 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes. Simmer 20–30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Sauce: Add ½ cup mix and 2 cups water to the slow cooker. Meat optional. Set on low for 4–6 hours.
Freezer Sauce Base: Combine dry mix + water. Freeze flat in bags.
