Preparing for Baby #3 with 2 months of Freezer Meals - Day 5 - Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti Sauce - Makes 6 Freezer Meals

Ingredients:

5 pounds Ground Beef 

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 whole Large Yellow Onions, Diced

2 whole Green Bell Pepper, Seeded And Diced

6 cloves Garlic, Minced

1 cup beef broth

1 (28 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes

2 cans (28 Ounce) Crushed Tomatoes

1 can (small, 4-ounce) Tomato Paste

1 jar Good Storebought Marinara Sauce 

1 teaspoon Ground Oregano

1 teaspoon Ground Thyme

4 whole Bay Leaves

2 Tablespoons Sugar

2 teaspoons Kosher Salt

1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (optional)

1/4 cup Finely Minced Fresh Parsley (or 3 Tablespoons Parsley Flakes), More To Taste

2 pounds Spaghetti, Cooked Al Dente And Tossed With Olive Oil

What to do:

 In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned. Remove meat from pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl. Set aside.

 Discard any grease in pot, but do not clean the pot. Drizzle in olive oil. When it is heated, throw in the diced onion and diced bell pepper. Stir it around for 1 1/2 minutes, then add the garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute.

 Pour in the beef broth and allow it to bubble up and reduce for about 1 1/2 minutes. 

 Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara sauce. 

 Stir to combine, then add oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper (if using). 

 Stir, then add 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 broth if it needs more liquid.

 Using a large ladle spoon the spaghetti sauce into plastic bags. 

 Let as much air out as possible and then stack flat in freezer.

 Serve over spaghetti noodles with a little parmesan on top. SO DELICIOUS!!

To use frozen sauce: thaw overnight and pour into a pot to warm.