Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Photo and recipe from Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 4 celery ribs, chopped (I usually omit this)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 2-1/2 cups water, divided
• 3 Italian turkey sausage links (4 ounces each), casings removed (I use ground beef)
• 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley (I use fresh Basil)
• 5 to 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 6 cups hot cooked spaghetti
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

• In a Dutch oven, combine the celery, onion, green pepper and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender and water is reduced.
• Crumble sausage over vegetable mixture; cook until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper and remaining water.
• Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with spaghetti. Garnish with cheese if desired. Yield: 12 servings.