Kittencal's Jazzed-Up Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to heat level)
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 (26 ounce) jars marinara sauce (or use a meatless pasta sauce)
• 2 teaspoons salt (a good tomato sauce needs lots of salt to bring out the flavor)
• fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium pot brown the ground beef with onion until no longer pink; drain all fat.

2. 2

   Add in the garlic, chili flakes and drained mushrooms; cook stirring until the meat is browned (about 12 minutes, for best flavor the meat needs to be lightly browned).

3. 3

   Mix in the Parmesan cheese (if using) then pasta sauce; bring to a simmer stirring over medium heat.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes or even longer, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   Season with salt, pepper and sugar (if using) about halfway through cooking.