Spaghetti Sauce to Die For

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium white onion, chopped (l cup)
• 1 green pepper, chopped (optional, I usually omit)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 (16 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• cooked spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)

Directions

1. 1

   In a large skillet cook the meat, onion, green pepper and garlic until meat is brown and vegetables are tender.

2. 2

   Drain off fat.

3. 3

   Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano, salt, basil, thyme and bay leaf.

4. 4

   Stir in water.

5. 5

   Pour into large pot (one that is wider than it is tall). Bring to boiling; reduce heat.

6. 6

   Simmer, uncovered, for l½ to 2 hours or till sauce is of desired consistency, stirring occasionally, the thicker the better.

7. 7

   Add lemon juice during last 5 minutes of simmering.

8. 8

   Remove bay leaf.

9. 9

   Serve over hot cooked pasta.

10. 10

    Pass grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

11. 11

    Makes 6 servings.