Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 1.5 lbs mix of ground beef and turkey
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp oregano (dried)
  • 1 tbsp basil (dried)
  • 1 tsp thyme (dried)
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • Ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 28 oz can diced tomatoes (low sodium)
  • 14 oz can tomato sauce (low sodium)
  • 6 oz can tomato paste (low sodium)
  • Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Whole grain pasta (for serving)

Instruction

  • Preheat large dutch oven or heavy bottom pot on high heat and add ground beef and turkey. Cook breaking into small pieces and stirring with spatula constantly, for about 5 minutes.
  • Add onion, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes , stirring a few times. Please note onion doesn't need to brown but herbs benefit from high heat to release maximum flavors.
  • Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and bay leaves. Stir, cover and cook on low-medium heat for about 30 minutes. Covering the pot prevents red splatters all over the stove.
  • Open the lid a little bit to the side and cook for another 15 minutes. Moisture will evaporate making perfect hearty and thick meat sauce.
  • Stir and serve hot over whole grain spaghetti or any tubular pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.