2 1/2 to 3 lbs. ground chuck
24 oz. Hunts tomato paste
3 cans water (36 oz.)
1 (15 oz.) can Hunts tomato sauce
2 med. or 1 lg. onion, minced
1 or 2 med. bay leaves
1 tbsp. sugar
Red pepper, dried or hot peppers, optional
1/2 tsp. garlic, optional
2 tbsp. Italian seasonings
1 can mushrooms

Saute onions in 1/2 cup water. Add rest of ingredients and simmer slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add meat after cooking; drain off grease and add mushrooms. Serves 6-8.