Italian Meat Sauce for the Slow Cooker

Submitted by Chef #509942

"This is a recipe I came up with after reading tips on how to make an authentic Italian pasta sauce"

 

• Ready In: 8hrs 30mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Yields: 1/2 cup
• Serves: 8-16

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small chopped onion
• minced garlic
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage (I choose turkey Italian sausage as a low fat alternative) or 1 lb mild Italian sausage (I choose turkey Italian sausage as a low fat alternative)
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 1⁄4 cup fresh Italian parsley
• 2 teaspoons dry oregano
• 2 teaspoons dry basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch white sugar
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup of your favorite dry red wine (Shiraz or Syrah pairs best with red pasta sauces)

directions

1. On a large skillet heat oil on medium high heat.
2. Sauté the garlic and the onion until the garlic is golden brown and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the meats to the oil mixture to brown them; drain.
4. On a slow cooker, combine the meat mixture and the remaining ingredients and set in on low. Cook for 8-10 hours.
5. If you're in a hurry you can follow the first 3 steps and simmer the ingredients on a sauce pan for one hour.