Chunky Gourmet Pasta Sauce
1 lb. lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage
3 T. The Tasteful Olive Tuscan Herb infused olive oil, divided
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 green pepper, chopped fine (use more if desired)
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped fine (use more if desired)
4 medium fresh mushrooms, chopped fine
2 T. The Tasteful Olive Traditional dark balsamic vinegar
2 t. Italian seasoning
2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
Optional add-in ingredients: black olives, green olives, bacon
1 lb. pasta of choice, cooked according to package instructions
In a large pot, brown meat in olive oil. Add the garlic and continue cooking for one minute more. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well, then heat mixture on medium high until tomatoes start to simmer. Add other ingredients in order, turning heat down to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring at least twice while cooking. Add a splash of water if mixture thickens too much. Cooking on simmer longer will allow ingredients to blend even more flavorfully together. Serve over pasta!
Recipe by Jeanne Mackay
