Healthier Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

An attempt to simplify and make a recipe healthier. I suggest good quality tomatoes such as Cento brand, and Certified Angus Beef Brand.

• Ready In: 9 hrs
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  large sweet onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup celery
• 1⁄2 cup carrot
• 1  lb  Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
• 1  lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1  tablespoon  italian seasoning
• 4 -6  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (29 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (29 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1  tablespoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1  tablespoon sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onions, celery, carrot, sausage, beef, and garlic until meat is browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the crushed tomato, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and spices.
4. Cook on low for about 8 hours.
5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sugar if needed.