Simple Meat Sauce, With a Twist

As I pulled the leftovers of this delicious meat sauce out of the freezer this morning, I realized I never posted the recipe. It's one you should have--if you are a meat sauce loving family, that is. It's simple, tasty, and is served with just a little twist. Instead of topping this with the usual parmesan, top it with feta. It's brilliant, really, and an idea I can take no credit for. Add to this feta a bunch of chopped fresh basil, and you will suddenly feel like spaghetti night is special. 

Simple Meat Sauce
- slightly adapted from aducksoven.com
*I doubled this and am giving it to you in the doubled proportions, because freezer meals.

-2 lbs ground beef
-1 lb Italian sausage (I used mild, feel free to use spicy or the turkey variety)
-1 yellow onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-2  15 oz cans tomato sauce
-2 15 oz can diced tomatoes
-2  6 oz can tomato paste
-1 T Italian herbs (I used the pasta sprinkle from Penzeys. Use whatever Italian blend you like as long as it's salt-free)
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp black pepper
-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more if you want it spicy)

In a large pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until cooked. Drain off any fat. Lower heat to medium and add onions, cook for 3-5 minutes. Add garlic, cook for another 1-2 min or until you can smell it. Reduce heat to low and add all remaining ingredients to the pot. Partially cover and simmer for 15 min, or up to 1 hr. Serve over pasta (I like whole wheat penne), topped with crumbled feta and lots of fresh minced basil. Sauteed spinach was the perfect side...couldn't help but mix it all together on my plate as I ate. Bon Appetit!