Ultimate Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

1. 1

   Heat oil in a large ovenproof pot or cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. 2

   Remove casings from Italian sausage.

3. 3

   Brown hamburger and sausage in the pot, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.

4. 4

   As meat is browning, place onion, bell pepper and garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse until chopped.

5. 5

   Add vegetable mixture to meat and cook until onion becomes translucent.

6. 6

   Add the basil, oregano, marjoram, pepper flakes, bay leaves, salt, pepper and sugar.

7. 7

   Mix well to incorporate flavors.

8. 8

   When meat is entirely browned and vegetables are cooked add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste and wine.

9. 9

   Heat the mixture until just barely boiling and reduce heat to simmer.

10. 10

    Add the grated parmesan and stir to mix thoroughly into sauce.

11. 11

    Method 1 Continue to cook on stove, uncovered for 2-3 hours stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

12. 12

    This is the the method I typically use.

13. 13

    Method 2 Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Cover pot or Dutch oven leaving lid slightly ajar to allow excess steam to escape.

14. 14

    Bake sauce in oven for 2-3 hours.

15. 15

    Method 3 Transfer sauce to an electric crock pot or slow cooker.

16. 16

    Keep lid slightly ajar with a toothpick in order to allow excess steam to escape.

17. 17

    Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

18. 18

    This method results in a slightly runnier sauce, but is great if you dont have the time to monitor a pot on the stove or in the oven.

19. 19

    Serve sauce with your favorite cooked pasta.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.