This loaded meat sauce is great to add to vegetables and even chicken! I combine the beef with ground pork for rich flavor. It is perfect for my Whole 30 Lasagna recipe. Make sure you take your time in the cooking process. Slow and low is the key to a tasty sauce. This freezes perfectly. Freeze in small batches and then thaw as needed.

Bolognese Sauce

Serves 8-10

1 pound ground beef (highest fat percentage available)

1 pound ground pork

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 tablespoons salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 6-ounce can tomato paste

1 28-ounce can tomato puree

1 tablespoon date syrup (optional)

1 cup additive-free apple juice

Heat a dutch oven or a large heavy pot with a lid on high. Add ground meat and cook about 10-15 minutes, until brown. Add onion, peppers and garlic. Cook 5 minutes more. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add spices and cook 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, tomato puree, date syrup and apple juice. Cover and simmer on low for at least 2 hours but up to 5 hours, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

For the slow cooker: Put the ground meat in a slow cooker along with the vegetables, spices, apple juice, tomato paste and puree. Cook on low for 10-12 hours. Enjoy!