🍝 Grandma Hazel York's Spaghetti Sauce

📝 Ingredients

• 1 package Italian sausage, browned in a sauté pan

• 1 lb ground beef, browned

• Sauté 1 whole onion and 3 garlic cloves

• 2 large cans (28 oz each) whole or crushed canned tomatoes

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 2 cups water

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 large bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley

• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil

• 1/2 tablespoon oregano

• 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1/4 tablespoon marjoram

• Optional: 1 cup sliced white mushrooms (canned or fresh)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked spaghetti (angel hair or your favorite pasta)

• Optional: Oven-grilled garlic bread for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Meats: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef. Drain excess fat.

2. Combine Tomatoes: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, pour in the canned tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine.

3. Add Meat: Stir in the browned sausage and ground beef into the tomato mixture.

4. Season: Add brown sugar, bay leaves, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Optional Add-Ins: If using, stir in sliced mushrooms for added depth and texture.

6. Simmer: Cover loosely and let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce and thicken to your desired consistency.

7. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

8. Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Spoon generously over cooked spaghetti pasta.

9. Optional Side: Pair with warm, oven-grilled garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.