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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
6. Pour in the red wine if using, and stir to combine.
7. Add the sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
8. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.
9. Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley.
10. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles, and enjoy!
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters, consider blending the sauce to make it smoother or finely chopping the vegetables so they're less noticeable. You can also replace the ground beef with ground turkey or use a mix of ground meats for a different flavor. If you like a little sweetness and depth, add a grated carrot or a splash of balsamic vinegar. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
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