1.5 lbs lean ground beef
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup water
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp parsley
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Brown ground beef over medium heat in a large stock pot. Drain beef and set aside. Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add all remaining ingredients, mix well, simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Note: Adaptation from Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.