Slow-Cooked Smoky Spaghetti Sauce

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage
• 1 medium (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh garlic
• 1 (28-ounce) can peeled Italian plum tomatoes
• 1 (29-ounce) can tomato puree
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Hot cooked rigatoni or spaghetti
• Chopped fresh basil, if desired
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

1. Combine beef, sausage, onion and garlic in 12-inch skillet.
2. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes or until meat is browned.
3. Drain off fat.
4. Place meat mixture and all remaining ingredients except rigatoni, basil and cheese in slow cooker; stir.
5. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6-8 hours.
6. Serve sauce over rigatoni.
7. Sprinkle with basil and cheese, if desired.

ground beef, sausage, onion, fresh garlic, tomatoes, tomato puree, pepper, sugar, italian seasoning, salt, rigatoni, fresh basil, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.landolakes.com/recipe/3202/slow-cooked-smoky-spaghetti-sauce (may not work)