Slow Cooker Meaty Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Jennifer S.

2 lb bulk Italian pork sausage or ground beef (or combo of both)
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (6 oz)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less depending on your taste)

1. Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, onions, mushrooms and garlic over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
2. Spoon sausage mixture into cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours.
4. Serve over favorite cooked pasta topped with Parmesan cheese.