Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. If using, pour in the red wine. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, partially covered, for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer for several hours, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the sauce with fresh parsley and serve over your favorite cooked spaghetti or pasta.
Enjoy the rich and hearty flavor of your “Top Secret Spaghetti Sauce,” perfect for family dinners or special occasions.