Slow-Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown pork sausage until no pink remains.

2. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease.

3. Into the slow cooker, add the onion, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste.

4. Add cooked sausage to the slow-cooker tomato mixture.

5. Add bay leaf, garlic, salt, oregano, basil, thyme, brown sugar and red pepper flakes. The latter is to your own taste (I recommend 1/4 teaspoon to start). If your family can’t take the heat, you can leave out the red pepper flakes, and the sauce is still delicious!

6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir all ingredients a few times to incorporate spices and cheese evenly. Turn the slow cooker on Low and let simmer for 5-6 hours.

7. You can also load this sauce up with tasty veggies for a chunkier consistency and unique twists. Optional ingredients: eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, roasted red peppers, spinach, mushrooms, other Italian cheeses, or substitute pork for ground beef or turkey.

If your crockpot is big enough, you can easily double this recipe and freeze extra for those nights you’re just too tired to cook.