Family Meat Sauce

Wet Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups dry red wine

1/4 cup heavy cream or milk

Dry Ingredients:

1 lb ground elk meat

1 lb Italian pork sausage

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 packet onion soup mix

1/2 packet "thick spaghetti" mix

1 bay leaf

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (grate your own for best flavor)

Chopped Ingredients:

2 celery sticks

2 carrots

1 medium yellow onion

4-6 cloves of garlic

Canned Ingredients:

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (good brand like San Marzano)

1 12-16oz can tomato sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground elk meat and Italian pork sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Set aside in a bowl.

2. Add the chopped celery, carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. 

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the mixture. Stir well to combine.

4. Stir in the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and pour in the red wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced. 

5. Sprinkle in the onion soup mix and the "thick spaghetti" mix. 

6. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and the heavy cream or milk. This adds a touch of freshness and creaminess to the sauce. 

7. This step is KEY! Use a hand blender or you can use a regular blender… But as a full-functioning adult, you need a hand mixer! Here is the one I have linked here LIGHTLY PULSE THE MEAT SAUCE UNTIL A FINE/ MEDIUM size. No big chunks of meat! 

8. Add a bay leaf and don't forget to take it out!  Simmer over low heat for about 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become!

Ladle the sauce over your favorite pasta, chicken parm or zoodles. Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch. I usually freeze this in gallon bags!

Happy cooking and may your kitchen be filled with the warmth of Montana hospitality and flavors!