1lbground Italian sausageYou can use sweet, mild or hot
28ozcanned crushed tomatoes
16ozcan of tomato sauce
6oz can of tomato paste
2tspsalt
1 tspground black pepper
2tspdried basiluse fresh basil if you have it
2tspitalian seasoning
1tspfennel seeds
1/4tspcrushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Toss around with a wooden spoon and cook until onions are softened and browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Once onions are cooked, add the ground meat. Cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon.
Once the meat is browned, drain any juices in the pot. Return to the heat, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add a little water to the cans and pour back into the mix.
Add tomato paste and all of the seasonings. Stir to make sure everything is combined. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours to reduce the water and enhance the flavors. Stir occasionally, tasting along the way and adjusting the seasonings to your preference.
Notes
To freeze - allow it to cool completely, then pour it into large freezer bags and stack them in the freezer. Pull out a bag and put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before you have your dinner, then reheat on the stove.