This is one of those fix-it--and-forget-it dishes. Perfect for evenings for when you're tired from a game or running around in the summer heat. For 6 people, you'll need

1 1/2 pounds ground beef or lamb
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1 large onion, diced
5 very ripe large tomatoes, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup raisins or golden raisins
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 tablespoons ketchup
4 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 sprig fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried

If using fatty meat, you may want to pre-cook just until meat is no longer pink, and drain. If using lean meat, combine ingredients in a 9x13 baking pan, stirring well. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour, or until all potatoes are done. Adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper. Serve over rice or with bread and a green salad.

This is a very flexible dish; you can add or subtract ingredients as you wish. Mushrooms go very well here, as does a bit of red wine. If you want, cook pasta halfway and use it in place of the potatoes for a one-dish meal.