½poundbaby bella or white mushroomsbrushed of any grit, sliced
3teaspoonsolive oildivided
1mediumonionchopped
3largecloves garlic
1pounditalian sausagecasings removed
1poundground beefextra lean
2bay leaves
1teaspoondried basil
1teaspoondried oregano
¼teaspoonred pepper flakesoptional
6cupsmarinara saucecan be store bought or use my homemade recipe - link included
¾cup red wine
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a dutch oven, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat, add mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until softened and they've given up their liquid. Transfer mushrooms to a small bowl.
Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pot and stir in the chopped onions. Cook 3-4 minutes until onions are softened and translucent.
Add sausage and ground beef and garlic. Using the back of a wooden spoon or fork, break apart the meat. Cook until the meat is browned. Spoon any excess fat from the browned sausage and beef and discard.
Add bay leaves, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, marinara sauce and mushrooms. Stir to combine. When the mixture starts to bubble, put the lid on the pot, slightly askew, turn the heat down to simmer and let the sauce cook and thicken, about 20 minutes.
Add the red wine and simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve over pasta, gnocchi or spaghetti squash with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
URL to the marinara sauce: http://www.garlicandzest.com/homemade-marinara-sauce