Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (12oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Add extra virgin olive oil to a large pot. Add ground beef, onions, garlic, green peppers and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
2. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano and Italian seasoning.
3. Reduce heat to low. Cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve with cooked spaghetti noodles or your favorite cooked pasta. Top with fresh parsley, if desired.