Ingredients:
3 -5 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 large onions, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 small carrots, peeled and finely diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes ( you can add in more to taste)
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 lb ground veal
1 lb ground pork
1 1/4 cups dry red wine
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth ( or beef consomme for an even richer flavor)
1 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
whipped cream (optional)
parmesan cheese
cooked pasta
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add in the diced bacon and saute until beginning to brown (about 5 minutes).
Add in the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, basil, dryed pepper flakes and bay leaves; saute for about 5-6 minutes.
Add in tomato paste; cook stiring with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes.
Then add in the ground veal and pork; cook until cooked through and well browned (about 12 minutes, the meat should be BROWNED well!).
Add in the wine then simmer for about 8 minutes uncovered.
Add in the broth and crushed tomatoes; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring often with a wooden spoon.
Uncover and season with salt and pepper; simmer for another hour or more (uncovered).
If you prefer a creamy sauce, add in about 1/4 cup whipping cream towards the end of cooking.
Serve over cooked pasta and top with parmesan cheese.
Servings: 6
Time preparation: 30 min.
Time total: 150 min.