Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

        Spaghetti is one of my family’s favorite meals.  While we aren’t above a quick weeknight meal using a jarred sauce, we much prefer this homemade meat sauce.  This is our ‘go to’ recipe.  It does have to simmer for a couple of hours, but is OH SO WORTH the extra time!  This recipe makes quite a bit, as I like to freeze half for a busy day.  We serve it with Parmesan Ranch Garlic Bread and Steamed Broccoli Parmesan Toss.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Spaghetti & Meat Sauce 

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

16 oz sliced fresh mushrooms

1 yellow onion, chopped

1.5 lbs ground chuck

1 lb sweet Italian Sausage, casings removed

6 cloves garlic, minced

29 oz can tomato puree

29 oz can tomato sauce

12 oz can tomato paste

1/2 cup red wine

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried basil

2 Tbsp sugar

1 bay leaf

salt & pepper to taste

spaghetti noodles, cooked

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add peppers, mushrooms & onions.  Saute for 8 minutes and add the beef & sausage.  Cook until meat browns, stirring frequently.  Add the minced garlic the last 3 minutes.  Drain off excess grease.   Add the tomato puree, tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, sugar & bay leaf.  Cover & Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Add salt & pepper to taste.  Remove bay leaf.  Serve over spaghetti noodles.