Crockpot Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

2 lbs ground beef or Italian pork sausage
2 medium onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (6 oz)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Spray 5-quart crockpot with cooking spray. In a 12-inch
skillet, cook sausage, onions, mushrooms and garlic over medium
heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is no
longer pink; drain.

Spoon meat mixture into crockpot. Stir in remaining
ingredients.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours.


This sauce is really good with some fresh basil and parmesan
cheese on top. The recipe makes a lot but the leftovers can be
frozen for up to 4 months.