MRS. CLAUS' SIMPLY DELICIOUS SPAGHETTI SAUCE

This simple but hearty blend of beef, pork sausage and pasta sauce has exceptional flavor after melding for 10 hours in the slow cooker.    We always keep some frozen on hand, ready to be pulled out if unexpected guests arrive at dinnertime.  It is also great for when you aren't quite sure how many people you will be serving.  On Christmas Eve we open our home to family and friends.  With all the conflicting schedules of the evening we are never quite sure who will join us for appetizers, dinner or dessert so this sauce has become a staple as a side dish of our dinner buffet.  The best part is it doesn't go to waste.  Whatever is leftover goes in the freezer!   

INGREDIENTS:

5 Jars (1 lb.10 oz./jar) Ragu Traditional (Our family favorite, your family favorite may work even better)
1/3 Cup Sugar
4 Pounds Ground Beef (I use Laura's Lean Ground Beef)
1 Package (20 oz.) Bob Evans Original Links Sausage or Sweet Italian Pork Sausage (any brand)
 Fresh Parsley for Garnishing

This recipe is for a Slow Cooker - 7 quart capacity. 

Makes 12 Servings or 14 Cups

STEP 1:  Turn slow cooker to high setting.  Pour 5 jars of Ragu Traditional or favorite pasta sauce into slow cooker.  Add 1/3 cup sugar and stir until mixed thoroughly.

STEP 2:  Brown 4 pounds ground beef in fry pan over stove.  Place browned ground beef in strainer to drain off excess grease.  Add strained browned ground beef to pasta sauce and sugar in slow cooker.

STEP 3:  Cook 1 package (20 oz.) sausage thoroughly in frying pan over stove.  Drain off excess grease from sausage.  Add sausage to pasta sauce, sugar and ground beef in slow cooker.

NOTE:  I have tried Turkey Sausage and it just doesn't add the same great taste to the sauce.  

STEP 4:  Cook in slow cooker for 10 hours, stirring occasionally. 

STEP 5:  It is now ready to serve over your favorite pasta.  Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

HINT:  I usually make this pasta sauce in advance and freeze.  I use small glass Pyrex baking dishes to store and freeze sauce so I can thaw the amount I need so as not to have waste.  A 4.8 cup Pyrex baking dish serves approximately 2 people.  A 6 cup Pyrex baking dish serves approximately 3 people.  These are estimates and do not take into account if you are feeding growing young men :-)  !!!!

Want more recipe ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                              ~ Debbie ~