1 lb. sweet Italian sausage (5-6 links)
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves (or 1 tbsp. fresh)
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fennel seed
1/4 tsp. pepper sauce
1/4 c. chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
4 c. canned tomatoes or 1 can (2 lb. 3 oz.) Italian style tomatoes (Progresso brand is best)
2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste (Italian style)
Mushrooms (optional)
1/2 c. water (optional)

Remove outer casings from sausage, chip meat.

In 5 quart Dutch pot on medium heat, saute sausage, beef, onion and garlic, stirring frequently, until well brown (about 20 minutes). Add sugar, salt, basil, fennel seed, pepper and parsley; mix well. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and water, mashing tomatoes with wooden spoon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered and stirring occasionally until thick, about 1 1/2 hours. Serve over pasta.