1.5lbsFarmland breakfast sausage(ground (a.k.a. breakfast's gift to dinner))
1.5lbsground beef or turkey(team beef or turkey—choose your fighter!)
1tablespoonunsalted butter(buttery magic in a tablespoon)
1yellow onion(chopped (because every good sauce starts with an onion))
1green bell pepper(chopped (veggie power!))
24 oz cans mushroom stems and pieces, drained (don’t skip this for that earthy vibe)
1carrot(grated (sneaking in veggies like a pro))
1/4cupsherry(your fancy sauce deglazer or "chef’s little sip")
28ozcontainer of V’s Spaghetti Sauce(or your favorite sauce if V’s isn’t handy)
15ozcan tomato sauce(no salt added—season like a boss)
15ozcan fire-roasted diced tomatoes(because we love that smoky tomato magic)
1bay leaf(to class it up)
2tablespoonsdried oregano(herbal goodness)
1tablespoonminced garlic(flavor bomb alert!)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown Town: Grab a big ol’ skillet and toss in the breakfast sausage and ground beef or turkey. Cook it up until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Drain the grease because nobody likes oily sauce—then set the meat aside like the hero it is.
Butter Up the Dutch Oven: In your trusty Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s looking clear and smelling like the start of something amazing. Toss in the green bell pepper and cook until it softens—think tender, not mushy.
Mushroom + Garlic Party: Add the drained mushrooms and stir them in for that earthy kick. Then, toss in the minced garlic and give it a good stir until your kitchen smells like an Italian bistro.
Deglaze Like a Pro: Pour in the sherry (but maybe don’t drink it all before it hits the pot). Stir and scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom—that’s flavor gold right there.
Tomato Time: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and oregano. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Don’t rush; great sauce takes its sweet time.
Spaghetti Sauce Hero: Stir in the spaghetti sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, let it do its thing—simmer away for about an hour. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure it doesn’t stick and to show it some love.
Notes
Warm it Up: Serve this over your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or whatever you have on hand).
Extras Welcome: Sprinkle with Parmesan or fresh basil if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Tastes Better Tomorrow: Leftovers are even better—Papa would approve.