Sunday Sauce Starter (Tomato Sauce)

Tomato Sauce

Prep: 30 mins.**

Cook: 4 hrs.

Total: 4 hrs 30 mins.

Yields: 6 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms
• 1 lb. ground beef
• fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 tsp. fresh oregano leaves
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce (no salt added)

**SIDE NOTE**--- Sauce Starter not used for recipe every time we prepare this sauce, instructions below does not include starter.**

Procedure:

1. In heavy bottom pot (preferably a Dutch oven) heat olive oil over med-high heat until slightly bubbling.
2. Add onions and cook til translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook until slightly brown, about 1 minute.
4. Add mushrooms and peppers, cook until soft about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add ground beef and cook until just beyond pink/ light brown about 5 minutes.
6. Turn heat to high and add tomato sauces, you should hear the sauces sizzle.
7. Stir to combine.
8. Cover with lid slightly tilted and cook for 3-4 hours over med-low heat, occasionally stirring and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste .*(The longer the better)*

ENJOY!!!