Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 1 lb ground chuck
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed then minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 teaspoons oregano
• 5 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons parsley
• 3 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (make sure it is one that is drinkable, I use a really good Cabernet)

Instructions

1. Brown sausage in large heavy pan.

2. When sausage is 3/4 browned, add ground chuck and cook until both sausage and chuck are browned. Drain, leaving a little of the fat in the pan.

3. Add onions and garlic, sweat for 3-4 minutes.

4. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce , tomato paste and water. Mix together, then add spices. Stir well and barely bring to a boil.

5. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil again.

6. Simmer at a low boil for as little as an hour or for as long as 7-8 or more in a crock pot.