Yo Mama Spaghetti Sauce

My kids love this sauce.  They’re a bit disappointed when they have to eat jarred sauce from the supermarket. 

Lucky for them, this recipe makes at least 4 quarts of sauce and there are usually several Ziploc bags of Yo Mama in the freezer. 

Yo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce: 

2 lbs browned hamburger (may substitute all or part with browned Italian sausage)** 1 small onion, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce 
1 cup water (If you don't want to simmer very long, add much less)
3 teaspoons basil
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper  
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

In large, heavy pot, combine cooked and drained hamburger and/or Italian sausage.  Add onions and cook on low, stirring occasionally until onions are softened.

Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, basil, oregano, parsley, brown sugar, salt, chili powder, black pepper and mushrooms.  Stir well and barely bring to a boil.

Simmer on low for at least an hour.  Stir frequently.  Longer simmering makes a fabulous sauce.  May also be simmered in a large Crock Pot.  Just make sure all the ingredients will fit. 

When ready to eat:  Spoon sauce over cooked and drained spaghetti noodles and top with parmesan cheese.

**I use pre-browned ground beef and Italian Sausage from the freezer for this sauce.  You can also cook and drain your meats right before you make the sauce.   

Changed to suit our tastes… original recipe from Recipezaar. 

A frosty bag of Yo Mama, waiting patiently in the freezer :o)

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