SPAGHETTI SAUCE

Spaghetti Sauce image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

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5 pounds ground beef (I used ground round)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 jar good store-bought marinara sauce (you can use another jar if you like the sauce to be more saucy than meaty)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
4 bay leaves
1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley or 3 tablespoons parsley flakes, plus more for serving
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 whole rind from 1 wedge Parmesan, optional
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, optional, plus more for serving
2 pounds spaghetti, cooked al dente and tossed with olive oil, for serving
Garlic-cheese bread, for serving

Steps:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned. Remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl. Set aside.
Discard any grease in the pot, but do not clean the pot. Drizzle in the olive oil. When it is heated, throw in the diced onions. Stir it around for 1 1/2 minutes, and then add the garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and marinara sauce. Stir to combine, and then add the sugar, salt, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper (if using) and bay leaves. Stir, then add the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or some low-sodium broth if it needs more liquid.
After an hour, add the minced parsley, basil and the Parmesan rind if using (or grated Parmesan if you prefer--or both!). Stir to combine, and then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes or so. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Serve a big bowl of oiled noodles and the spaghetti sauce so guests can serve themselves. Top each serving with minced parsley and grated Parmesan (or Parmesan shavings) and serve with a big piece of garlic-cheese bread.
Amen.