Classic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients List & Amounts

2 lbs Meridian extra-lean ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups onions, chopped & divided

5 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 bell pepper, seeded & chopped

1 can (355g) tomato paste

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

3 tsp dried oregano

1 ½ tsp dried thyme

2 cans (794g ea.) crushed tomatoes

250 g mushrooms, chopped

1 ½ cups beef stock

2 tbsp brown sugar

3 tsp dried basil

3 bay leaves

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Preparation & Cooking Directions

Heat oil in a large pot. Add 2 cups of onions, and sauté until slightly browned. Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add beef, and cook, breaking into small pieces, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Add bell pepper into pot with beef and onions.

Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring until combined.

Add diced and crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, beef broth, and sugar. Stir and add bay leaves.

Bring sauce to a boil, and then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Stir in balsamic vinegar, and let sauce rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.