A rich and flavorful Italian-inspired tomato sauce perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and bay leaves in a large pot.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Simmering slowly allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks for an even texture.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
Cook the onions until translucent for a sweeter flavor.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet and add the meat mixture to the simmering sauce.
Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly distributed in the sauce.
Continue to simmer the combined sauce for an additional 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for an extra touch.