Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon sugar
1 bay leaf
dash red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
 
1. Brown ground beef and drain if necessary; add onion and cook until softened.  Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for one minute before adding remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil over medium high, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 45 minutes.
 
Revised September 2017; October 2017