Ingredients

  • 5 pounds ground beef (I used ground round)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • One 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 jar good store-bought marinara sauce (you can use another jar if you like the sauce to be more saucy than meaty)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley or 3 tablespoons parsley flakes, plus more for serving
  • 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 whole rind from 1 wedge Parmesan, optional
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, optional, plus more for serving
  • 2 pounds spaghetti, cooked al dente and tossed with olive oil, for serving
  • Garlic-cheese bread, for serving

Method

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned.
  • Remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl.
  • Set aside.
  • Discard any grease in the pot, but do not clean the pot.
  • Drizzle in the olive oil.
  • When it is heated, throw in the diced onions.
  • Stir it around for 1 1/2 minutes, and then add the garlic.
  • Stir and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and marinara sauce.
  • Stir to combine, and then add the sugar, salt, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper (if using) and bay leaves.
  • Stir, then add the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
  • Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Add a little water or some low-sodium broth if it needs more liquid.
  • After an hour, add the minced parsley, basil and the Parmesan rind if using (or grated Parmesan if you prefer--or both!).
  • Stir to combine, and then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes or so.
  • Discard the bay leaves before serving.
  • Serve a big bowl of oiled noodles and the spaghetti sauce so guests can serve themselves.
  • Top each serving with minced parsley and grated Parmesan (or Parmesan shavings) and serve with a big piece of garlic-cheese bread.
  • Amen.