Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (12 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, garlic, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Seasonings:
Stir in the bay leaf, oregano, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the Tomatoes:
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir to combine.
Season the Sauce:
Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook longer; if it gets too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and discard. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve:
Serve over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti, and enjoy!