MY MEAT-LOVER'S TASTE OF ITALY SPAGHETTI SAUCE

My Meat-Lover's Taste of Italy Spaghetti Sauce image

Provided by Kelly Williams @WildfloursCottageKitchen

Categories Beef

Number Of Ingredients 31

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MEAT MIXTURE:
2 lbs. - lean ground beef, * 1 1/2 lbs. if adding fresh mushrooms
1 lb. - bulk ground italian sausage, jimmy dean works fine mild or hot
1 lg. - onion, chopped
1 - green or red bell pepper, diced
2 tsp. - whole fennel seeds
1/4 tsp. - salt or a little more
1/4 tsp. - coarse ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. - garlic powder
1/2 tsp. - oregano
1/2 tsp. - italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. - basil
1/2 tsp. - marjoram
SAUCE:
3 - (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce, i use hunts
1 (14 oz.) - can delmonte original stewed tomatoes with juice, crush tomatoes with hand as adding
1 (6 oz.) - can contadina italian herb tomato paste
1/2 tsp. - coarse ground black pepper
2 tsp. - oregano
1/2 tsp. - basil
1/2 tsp. - italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. - thyme, measure into palm and crush with finger and thumb when adding to pot
1/2 tsp. - marjoram
1 1/2 tsp. - garlic powder
2 Tbl. - sugar
1 - bay leaf
1/2 tsp. - superior touch better than bouillon beef base
1/4 tsp. - salt, more if desired, taste first
1 Tbl. - butter
1 (8 oz.) - container fresh sliced mushrooms, optional
1/2 - cup red wine, optional, up to 1 cup if you really like it that way

Steps:

Add meats to deep, large non-stick skillet. *If not using non-stick pan, add a little olive oil to pan first so it won't stick. Sprinkle EVENLY rest of meat mixture ingredients over meats. Stir meats to mix in herbs and spices. Cook over medium heat til meat is no longer pink. Break up meat as you go along, but just don't overdo it. You don't want tiny, overly fine pieces. Drain grease. Pour into large heavy-bottomed pot. Add rest of ingredients EXCEPT mushrooms, and stir/fold to mix well. Now add the mushrooms, if desired. Heat over medium heat til simmering. Lower heat to just a simmer and cook, stirring every so often, for about 35-45 minutes. (*I put a lid on it so I don't get splatters everywhere. And stir and watch pot often so it doesn't scortch on the bottom because this is a nice, thick sauce.) Serve over hot, cooked and well drained spaghetti, thin spaghetti, mostaccioli, penne, or rotini noodles. *Or Use for lasagna. Serve with tossed salad, garlic bread and parmesan cheese on the side if desired. ENJOY! *Freezes very well, too.