This easy to make delicious spaghetti sauce is a family favorite passed down from generations. It’s got the perfect combination of flavors and makes plenty, a great choice for gatherings with friends and family.
Prep Time: 20 min. Cook Time: 1 hr.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1lb. sweet Italian sausage links
- 2 - 28 oz. cans San Marzano crushed tomatoes
- 1 - 6 oz. can Italian seasonings tomato paste
- 1 large onion (quartered)
- 1 green pepper (diced)
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
- 3 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp. white sugar
- 4 - 5 dried bay leaves
- ¼ tsp. baking soda
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup water
Other:
- large mixing bowl
- small bowl
- cutting board
- chopping knife
- wire whisk
- 2 dinner size microwavable plates
- large cooking pot
- large mixing spoon
Directions:
- Peel and quarter the onion and set aside. Then, dice up the green pepper and mince up the garlic.
- To the small bowl, add all of the dried seasonings (except the bay leaves and baking soda) and the sugar and stir to combine, then set aside.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and the water into the large bowl and whisk until well combined, then set aside.
- Take the ground beef and roll into medium/large size balls and arrange on a plate.
- Cover the meatballs and microwave for 2 ½ minutes, then turn the meatballs over on the opposite side (careful, the meat will be hot to the touch), and microwave for another 2 ½ minutes, then set aside.
- Cut the sausage links in half and arrange on the other plate, cover and cook for the same amount of time as the meatballs, then set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the green pepper and cook until slightly softened, stirring occasionally (approximately 1 -2 minutes).
- Add the garlic and stir well.
- Add all of the seasonings except the bay leaves (do not add the baking soda) and stir well to incorporate.
- Add the tomato mixture and stir well to combine.
- Add the onion, bay leaves, meatballs and sausage making sure to cover completely with the sauce.
- Watch carefully, once the sauce starts to boil slightly, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Lastly, remove the pot from the hot burner, add the baking soda and stir well to combine (the sauce will bubble slightly because of the chemical reaction of the baking soda with the acidity of the sauce).
- Serve with your favorite pasta. Enjoy!