Perfect Spaghetti Sauce (Crock-Pot)

Chef #1240616's Note:

As a kid, I was pretty picky about spaghetti sauce, and then mom got this one from a friend...SO good! Now that I have kids of my own, they love it and I've been able to improvise on the recipe myself to make it both kid- and adult-friendly! An easy meal that you don't have to think about and will make your house smell delicious! Plenty for freezing,as well, for another day. Hope you enjoy! *Sometimes, I'll replace some of the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes and add a little more spice and garlic to compensate* **I use hot Italian sausage mixed with ground beef for a little more of a kick**

• Total Time: 8 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 8 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 1 -1 1/2 lb ground beef or 1 -1 1/2 lb sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced fine
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (2 cans, for thicker sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• salt & pepper
• red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat until hot.
2. Brown onion and 2 cloves of garlic in oil, but do not burn!
3. Add meat to skillet and cook thoroughly. (Drain meat if desired).
4. In a crock pot, add juice, sauce, paste, 2 cloves of garlic, sugar, spices, and meat mixture and cook on low all day (8-12 hours -- the longer, the better!). Can cook on high for less time, as well, but may not be as thick. *To thicken up, "crack" lid for the last few hours.
5. Serve over hot pasta and freeze any leftover sauce for later!

Reviews

[bunzie]

I love this spaghetti sauce recipe. It is so easy and so tasty. In the past month I've already made it twice.