All Day Versatile Sauce

Recipe View In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Recipe View Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant. (1 minute)

Recipe View If using ground beef, add it to the pot now and brown, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.

Recipe View Add the beef neck bones (or shanks) to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and water (or beef broth). Stir well to combine.

Recipe View Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Recipe View Before serving, remove the beef neck bones (or shanks) from the sauce and discard. Shred any meat that has fallen off the bones back into the sauce.

Recipe View Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if desired.

Recipe View Serve hot over your favorite pasta, use in lasagna, or as a base for other Italian dishes.