Spaghetti Night....

Yesterday morning I decided I needed a make ahead meal for the night.  It was my book group night and I wanted to be able to make a quick exit once I got dinner on the table.  I decided that Spaghetti would be a nice change of pace.  I am not a huge red sauce/pasta fan so I don't make it that often.  Whenever I do, I always think, "Why do I ever buy jarred sauce?"  Homemade is so easy and so much tastier! Of course, I usually forget this when I am in a hurry and end up picking up a jar of some sauce. But, the new me is not doing that anymore!!! :)  Sauce is also one of those things you already have all the ingredients in the house.  So, within a couple of hours yesterday morning I had dinner made with enough leftover to store a vat of sauce in the freezer for another time.  Everyone loved it and with a salad and some bread it was the perfect winter meal.  

Spaghetti Sauce

2-3 Tblsp Olive Oil

1 Large Onion

2 cloves garlic minced

1 1/2 pound lean ground beef

small piece of pork*

2 cans of crushed tomatoes 28 oz( I like to use 2 different kinds, last night I used San Marzano and Redpack)

1 large of Tomato Paste or 3 tblsp of double concentrate paste(I keep a tube in my fridge)

1/2 cup water

1 tblsp oregano dried

1 tsblsp basil dried

2 tsp salt

2tsp sugar

In large pan, heat oil and saute onion and garlic until onions are translucent.  Add beef and brown.  Drain fat.  Add remaining ingredients.  Bring to a slow boil and then simmer on low, covered, for 2-3 

hours, stirring occasionally.

*I like to add a small piece of pork to my sauce while it is cooking.  It gets very tender and adds a sweetness to the sauce.  

**If you prefer meatballs, omit meat and after sauce is put together, cook meatballs in sauce for 2-3 hours.