Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

I found this excellent recipe on iowagirleats.com after trying a couple other recipes and having them turn out too thin and tasteless. The butter in this really makes all the difference - don't leave it out! For a 6 quart crockpot, this recipe could easily be doubled.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 28  ounces crushed tomatoes
• 8  ounces tomato sauce
• 6  ounces tomato paste
• 1  tablespoon brown sugar
• 1  bay leaf (or 2 small)
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  teaspoons dried oregano
• 2  teaspoons dried basil
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 2  tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Brown ground beef with onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Drain then add to a large crock pot.
3. Add all the ingredients except for the butter, stir to combine, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Remove bay leaves, stir in butter, then serve over cooked pasta.