MAMA DEE'S SPAGHETTI SAUCE

Mama Dee's Spaghetti Sauce image

Provided by Dee Stillwell

Time 4h25m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb italian sweet sausage
2 - 3 lb lean ground beef, more for meatier sauce
1 large onion, finely diced
6 clove garlic, grated into meat
1 - 28 oz can(s) crushed tomatoes
1 - 36 oz jar(s) any spagetti sauce
2 - 6 oz can(s) tomato paste
1 1/2 can(s) of water from the crushed tomato can
1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp fresh cracked pepper
2 Tbsp dried basil
1 Tbsp italian seasoning
1 Tbsp dried oregano
3 large bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp ground cloves
3 Tbsp brown sugar
THE SECRET INGREDIENT(MAKES SCE HAVE A RICH, DEEP FLAVOR)
4 - 24 grm pkg brown gravy mix

Steps:

1. Brown sausage and ground beef in large saute pan. Sprinle with the seasoned salt and pepper. Add diced onion to meat and saute 3-4 minutes. Grate in garlic and cook another 3 minutes. Set aside.
2. In large 6 quart crock pot or slow cooker vessle, empty all cans and put water and rest of seasonings into it. Save brown sugar and gravy mix for last 30 minutes of cooking. This sounds like alot of spices but the ones I use, it takes that much. If u want to use less then taste half way thru cooking and see if you need to add more.
3. Add meat mixture to sauce mixture, stir well to blend. Cook on high for 1 hour until it is rapidly simmering. Turn to low and let simmer for 3-4 hours. As sauce cooks, if it appears to be getting to thick add a little more water at a time if needed. The last 30 minutes whisk in the gravy mix and brown sugar thoroughly. Let simmer 20-30 minutes longer.
4. This makes enough sauce for at least 3 meals in our family. The first nite we have it over whole wheat spaghetti noodles. I always cook extra noodles so we can have our favorite, fried spaghetti, the next nite. I then freeze the rest to make lasagna at a later date.