Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• optional sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup green pepper
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (16oz)
• 1 small can tomato paste (adjust to taste)

Spices

• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1-2 bay leaves
• optional 1/2 - 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Brown the beef, cooking the onions, peppers, mushrooms and garlic along with the meat
2. Add tomatoes (with juices) and tomato paste
3. Add spices, except bay leaf, mix well
4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, turn heat to low
5. Place bay leaf on top of sauce, cover and cook on low for 20-30 minutes
6. optional Remove the cover and continue simmering the sauce for 10-15 minutes until desired consistency, stirring occasionally
7. Remove bay leaf before serving with pasta of your choice