Tomato Sauce ( Our Secret Recipe)

I have been making this for over 25 years. It is our special tomato sauce. The aroma of this sauce while it is cooking is wonderful. Sometimes I add some red wine while it is simmering. I really don't know how much this recipe yields but I am guessing 2 1/2 to 3 quarts. I know that I get 2 meals from this sauce. It freezes well. When I make this my family knows they are in for a great dinner!

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yields: 2-3 quarts

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb ground beef
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1⁄4 lb bacon
• 3 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes
• 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 5  teaspoons dried basil
• 5  teaspoons dried oregano
• 2  teaspoons dried thyme
• 3  bay leaves
• 1  tablespoon salt
•  pepper
• 1  cup water

Directions

1. Brown bacon. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon (save this for another use, like a salad topping).
2. Saute onions and garlic in bacon fat until soft. Add ground beef and brown.
3. Crush whole tomatoes, with juice, with your hands. Add to the pot.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for at least one hour. I cover the sauce partially with a lid and simmer 2-3 hours. Check to see if you need to add more water (or wine).
6. Enjoy!