SAUSAGE, ARTICHOKE & SUN-DRIED TOMATO RAGU

Sausage, Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Ragu image

This is a thick and hearty spaghetti sauce that's simple to prepare. Like all good spaghetti sauces, this one tastes even better the next day. If you prefer a little celery or bell pepper in your sauce, go ahead and throw them in. The results will still amaze. -Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 6h20m

Yield 2 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cans (6 ounces each) Italian tomato paste
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Hot cooked spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook sausage, beef and onion over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink, 4-6 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Transfer to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, artichokes, garlic, rosemary, pepper, salt and bay leaf., Cook, covered, on low until heated through, 6-8 hours. Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley. Serve with spaghetti. If desired, top with grated Parmesan. Freeze option: Freeze cooled sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 17g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 1535mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 11g protein.