The Baker Sisters

Ingredients

• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 lb of ground beef, Italian sausage or a combination
• 2 jars of tomato sauce (I like to use one jar of Trader Joe’s “Roasted Garlic” tomato sauce)
• 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
• 1-3 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (add to desired spice level)
• 2/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1-3 teaspoons of white sugar (helps with acidity)
• 3 tablespoons of red wine (optional)
• 1 lb of Spaghetti cooked according to package directions

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, over medium high heat, sauté onions in olive oil until soft.
2. Add green pepper and continue to cook another 5 minutes.
3. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add ground meat to empty pan and brown well.
5. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper onto meat.
6. Immediately add sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, parmesan and wine.
7. Before adding sugar, taste sauce and add 1 teaspoon at a time until desired flavor.
8. Stir well and reduce heat to low.
9. Stir occasionally and cook for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
10. Optional: Instead of simmering sauce on stove top, you can transfer the sauce to a crock pot and cook on low all day. This is what I do as it gives the sauce a great slow cooked taste.