Perfect Spaghetti Sauce (Crock-Pot)

Ingredients

• 1-1 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced fine
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice

• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (2 cans, for thicker sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• salt & pepper
• red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat until hot.

2. 2

   Brown onion and 2 cloves of garlic in oil, but do not burn!

3. 3

   Add meat to skillet and cook thoroughly. (Drain meat if desired).

4. 4

   In a crock pot, add juice, sauce, paste, 2 cloves of garlic, sugar, spices, and meat mixture and cook on low all day (8-12 hours -- the longer, the better!). Can cook on high for less time, as well, but may not be as thick. *To thicken up, "crack" lid for the last few hours.

5. 5

   Serve over hot pasta and freeze any leftover sauce for later!