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1.
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In a large skillet, brown pork sausage until no pink remains.
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2.
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Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate.
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Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease.
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3.
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Into the slow cooker, add the onion, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste.
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4.
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Add cooked sausage to the slow-cooker tomato mixture.
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5.
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Add bay leaf, garlic, salt, oregano, basil, thyme, brown sugar and red pepper flakes.
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The latter is to your own taste (I recommend 1/4 teaspoon to start).
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If your family cant take the heat, you can leave out the red pepper flakes, and the sauce is still delicious!
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6.
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Add Parmesan cheese and stir all ingredients a few times to incorporate spices and cheese evenly.
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Turn the slow cooker on Low and let simmer for 5-6 hours.
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7.
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You can also load this sauce up with tasty veggies for a chunkier consistency and unique twists.
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Optional ingredients: eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, roasted red peppers, spinach, mushrooms, other Italian cheeses, or substitute pork for ground beef or turkey.
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If your crockpot is big enough, you can easily double this recipe and freeze extra for those nights youre just too tired to cook.
