Hamburger Tomato Curry

My mom used to make this delicious curry dinner for me when I was growing up, and I still make it to this day...often. This is nothing like the curry you would get from an Indian or Thai restaurant. It simply has the flavoring of curry, but it is very much a mellow, hearty dish that is perfect for a cold, rainy night. I tell you that in case you are scared of the word "curry." LOL.

Here is what you need:

• 1 lb hamburger
• 3 cans stewed tomatoes (14.5 oz cans)
• 1 can water
• 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbs A-1 sauce
• 1 tb curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• Pinch of salt
• Rice, as needed (brown or white or a mix of the two)
• Celery is optional, to taste

Here is what you do:

1. Brown hamburger in a deep, large skillet pan. Season with a tish of salt. (If you are using your precooked hamburger from shopping day (see hint below), you can skip this step. Just place it in the skillet and cover with lid so it defrosts.)
2. Add chopped onions (and celery if you choose to do so.) Season with a dash of salt and cook until tender.
3. Add all other ingredients, mix well, and bring to a boil.
4. Turn heat down and let mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Cook rice while curry simmers. I use a combination of brown and white instant rice. (If you are using your precooked rice from shopping day (see hint below), you can skip this step. Just pop it in the microwave to reheat.) 
6. Let curry rest for a few minutes and then serve over rice.

Here are some hints for making your cook time less than 30 minutes:

1. On shopping day, precook rice and ground beef (separately), portion it and place in freezer bags for later. 
2. Also on shopping day, chop onion and store in tightly sealed container in the fridge. You can then use the onion as needed during the week.

PS ~ If you end up cooking the rice and ground beef the night you want to make this dinner, it will take about 45 minutes instead of 30.