Grandma Shannon's Amazing Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (I'll sometimes substitute ground turkey, Italian sausage, or do a mixture of the three.)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 28 ounces water
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (or use 1 T. dried basil)
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seed, ground
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ground
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. 1

   In a large pot, over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and saute the onion, garlic and meat together. (It's best to add the garlic after the onion and meat have been sauteed for 4-5 min.). Saute for 8-10 minutes altogether. Drain the fat.

2. 2

   Add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for 1 hour or more. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. I sometimes add a teaspoon of sugar to make it a bit sweeter, if need be. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy!