1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 lg. green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes, cut up
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1 bay leaf
2 c. water

In a Dutch oven cook meat, onion, green pepper, and garlic until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano, salt, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir in the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until sauce is of desired consistency. Remove bay leaf.

6 servings.