Pioneer Woman Spaghetti

Serves 8-10

·       2.5 lb. ground beef or turkey

·       3 tbsp. olive oil

·       1 large yellow onion, diced

·       1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced

·       3 cloves minced garlic

·       ½ cup low-sodium beef broth

·       1 can 28 oz. + 1 can 14 oz. crushed tomatoes

·       1 can 4 oz. tomato paste

·       1 jar quality store bought marinara sauce

·       ½ tsp. ground oregano

·       ½ tsp. ground thyme

·       2 whole bay leaves

·       1 tbsp. sugar

·       2 tsp. kosher salt

·       ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

·       ¼ cup finely minced fresh parsley

·       1 whole rind from a wedge of parmesan cheese (optional, but oh so good)

·       ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

·       1 lb. spaghetti, cooked al dente and tossed with olive oil

·       Extra mixed parsley (garnish)

·       Extra parmesan cheese (garnish)

In large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until totally browned. Remove meat from pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl. Set aside.

Discard any grease in pot, but do not clean the pot. Drizzle in olive oil. When oil I heated, add diced onion and bell pepper, stirring 2 min., then add garlic, stirring to cook 1 additional min. Add beef broth and allow it to bubble up and reduce about 1.5 min. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine, then add oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper (if using). Stir, then add cooked meat and stir to combine. Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or additional broth if too thick. After an hour, add minced parsley and the parmesan rind (or grated Parmesan if you prefer--or both!) Stir to combine, then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another 30 min. or so. Discard bay leaves before serving.

Serve a big bowl of oiled noodles and spaghetti sauce so guests can serve themselves. Top each serving with minced parsley and grated Parmesan (or Parmesan shavings) and serve with garlic bread!