Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

(adapted from Melanie at http://www.mykitchencafe.blogspot.com/)

After spicing up jarred sauce for years, I figured it was time to see if homemade sauce was really worth the time. After making this, my family and I all decided that yes, homemade sauce is definitely worth the time.















Ingredients
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 c. onion, chopped
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (I use 2 lbs)
4 tsp. chopped garlic
1 6oz. can tomato paste
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes (I use Italian style)
1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 carton fresh mushrooms (optional)
1 1/2 c. water
1 tsp. chicken base, granules, or 1 bouillon cube
1 tsp. beef base, granules, or 1 bouillon cube
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. cooking red wine (I use a little more than 1/4 c.)
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (optional)

Heat Olive Oil over med/hi heat. Saute onion until translucent and slightly browned. Add garlic and stir constantly for 1 min. Add beef and cook; drain. Add tomato paste and spices and cook for 1 min. stirring until combined. Add diced and crushed tomatoes, water, chicken & beef base, sugar, and wine. Stir until combined then add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. After simmering for an hour, add the butter, stirring until melted and combined.