1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

1/2 c chopped cooked smoked ham

1/2 c (1 med) chopped onion

1/2 c (1 stalk) chopped celery

1/4 c chopped carrot

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained

1/4 c dry white wine (optional)

1 tsp dried thyme, crushed

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 1-pound pkg shelf-stable potato gnocchi (or make your own!)

1/3 c finely shredded parmesan cheese

snipped fresh flat-leaf parsley

FOR MEAT SAUCE: In a lg skillet cook ground beef, ham, onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until meat is brown; drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, wine (if desired), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or to desired consistency.

Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to pkg directions; drain and keep warm.

Serve meat sauce over gnocchi; sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley.

Makes 6 servings