2 (28 oz.) cans whole tomatoes, reserve liquid for thinning, if necessary
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp. sweet basil
2 tbsp. dried parsley
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms, optional
1 lb. browned and drained ground beef, optional

Break up tomatoes in large saucepan. Add next 6 ingredients. Bring slowly to a boil, then cover and simmer 3-4 hours. Add optional ingredients in last hour of cooking. Uncover and simmer to thicken sauce; cover and add tomato juice to thin.