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1
In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned.
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2
Remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl.
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3
Set aside.
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4
Discard any grease in the pot, but do not clean the pot.
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5
Drizzle in the olive oil.
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6
When it is heated, throw in the diced onions.
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7
Stir it around for 1 1/2 minutes, and then add the garlic.
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8
Stir and cook for an additional minute.
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9
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and marinara sauce.
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10
Stir to combine, and then add the sugar, salt, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper (if using) and bay leaves.
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11
Stir, then add the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
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12
Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
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13
Add a little water or some low-sodium broth if it needs more liquid.
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14
After an hour, add the minced parsley, basil and the Parmesan rind if using (or grated Parmesan if you prefer--or both!).
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15
Stir to combine, and then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes or so.
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16
Discard the bay leaves before serving.
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17
Serve a big bowl of oiled noodles and the spaghetti sauce so guests can serve themselves.
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18
Top each serving with minced parsley and grated Parmesan (or Parmesan shavings) and serve with a big piece of garlic-cheese bread.
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19
Amen.
