Grandma Dilaura'S Tomato And Meat Sauce

1. 1

   In a large heavy bottomed pot add the tomato sauce and paste. Fill each can used with water and add to the sauce with basil and salt & pepper and stir. If you are adjusting the quantity of this recipe, adjust the water by the number of cans you use.

2. 2

   Brown the ground beef, drain off the fat and set aside to add after sauce cooks 1 hour.

3. 3

   Bring the pot to a boil on medium-high heat and then turn down to a slow simmer {caution: do not let the sauce boil too long or it will burn}. Sauce will cook 2-3 hours total until thick. Stir occasionally.

4. 4

   After 1 hour, add browned ground beef and whole peeled onion to the sauce.

5. 5

   In the last hour of cooking add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to eliminate some acidity and stir.

6. 6

   When ready to serve, remove whole onion and cut in half or quarters to share. The onion will be extremely tender and sweet and was often fought over at our dinner table!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.