Old World Italian Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste, adjust to heat level)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 2 lbs fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 3 (28 ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4-1/3 tablespoon parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   In a large skillet, brown beef and pork with crushed red chili flakes over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside.

2. 2

   In another large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and saute the onions and garlic until tender; add in about 1/2 cup red wine, mix well.

3. 3

   Add in the sliced mushrooms, rosemary and oregano to skillet, and add another 1/2 cup wine; saute until tender.

4. 4

   Add in the browned beef, tomato sauce and tomato paste; simmer for 1 hour; then add in remaining 1 cup wine, simmer on low for another 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   Season with salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Towards the end of cooking, add in the Parmesan cheese, mix to combine and heat through.