easy spaghetti meat sauce

my kids would absolutely prefer spaghetti and 'meatballs', not 'meat-sauce'. but there are times where i do not feel like going through the hastle of making meatballs. even when i do have the energy to put in the extra work to make meatballs, i crave this sauce. it is not too many ingredients, but has a great flavor. this is the perfect recipe to double up on and freeze.
ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil -
- 1 lb hamburger meat -
- 1 onion - chopped
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 1/2 bell pepper - chopped
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning -
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste -
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes -
- 1 beef bouillon cube -
- 1 cup hot water -
- 1 tablespoon sugar -
instructions:
pour the canola oil a large pot and heat over medium high heat. carefully place the hamburger meat in the hot oil. season with salt/pepper to taste. allow the meat to sear by not tossing the meat for a few minutes. break up the meat with a wooden spoon and toss until cooked through. add the onion, garlic, bell pepper and italian seasoning. saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes. add in the tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly brown. stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef bouillon, water and sugar. stir until combined, scraping up all the brown bits in the pan. cover and simmer for about 25 minutes. serve hot on cooked noodles.