Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef (or ½ lb ground Italian sausage and ½ lb ground beef)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 28 oz San Marzano crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 3/4 cup red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbs dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• crushed red pepper flakes , to taste
• 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbs sugar
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
• spaghetti noodles, for serving
• pecorino or parmean, grated, for serving

Directions:

1. Season ground beef with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot, add the beef, chopped onion, and garlic, and brown. Drain excess grease.
3. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, worcestershire, vegetable stock, 1 tsp salt (to taste0, and sugar to the pot.
4. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add chopped basil before serving, if desired.
7. Serve over spaghetti and top with fresh pecorino or parmesan.