I also make my own sauce. I've tried the jar sauces, just not as good. Making your own sauce isn't hard, but it takes time.
I also learned from my mom. When my sister got married, mom wrote it down. So I can share it.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
10 cans (28 ounce) of crushed tomatoes
5 cans (6 ounce) of tomato paste
10 cloves garlic
Salt
Pepper
Cinnamon don't add too much, just enough to give it a hint of flavor. The cinnamon adds some depth & some warmth, but you don't want to overwhelm people with it.
Basil
Oregano
Meatballs (see below)
Sausage
Open cans and empty contents into large pot that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Simmer for ½ hr, and then add salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon, basil and oregano. Allow mixture to cook for 1 hr. Then add the paste and cook for 1 more hr. Stir every ½ hr. Add cooked meatballs and sausage and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hrs. more. I usually freeze it in those disposable containers. I put enough sauce in each for dinner & some leftovers. It thaws pretty quickly if you let it sit on the counter, or overnight in the fridge. Worst case, it will thaw really quickly in the microwave. I'll make a pot of sauce, freeze it, and we're set for a few months.
MEATBALLS
3 lbs. beef
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Parsley flakes
Bread crumbs
Worchester sauce
Parmesan cheese
Water
Mix all ingredients together. Shape into balls and bake in 400 degree oven until well browned, about 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.
Sausagealso cook in a 400 degree oven. I usually cook those for an hour, turning every 15 minutes.
And you can leave out the meat, and it makes a great marinara sauce.
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