Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, finely grated
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until deeply browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Stir in the diced onion, grated carrot, and celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.