Byrd's Spaghetti

Comfort food.  When you hear the term you automatically start thinking of what it mens to you.  To some it is meatloaf and mashed potatoes, others its a simple mac n cheese, and in Croatia its sarma.  I don't know any Croatians, but that's what Wikipedia said.  I like learning new food facts. And the sarma actually looks delicious. To me it is spaghetti. I have talked of my love of noodles and my love for Byrd's sauce. Well here it is.  I will say the measurements, or the lack there of, are her own.  I will try to estimate them though, I may be off a little.

She starts by browning some ground beef (around a pound), then adds in diced onions(medium white), garlic(4 gloves minced), and mushrooms(1lb. sliced white button.)  Next she normally adds in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, but we didn't have any.  We did have some grape tomatoes(a little less than a pound) so they were sliced and went into the pot.   

Then add in two cans of tomato sauce and 2 cans of tomato paste, then fill all of the cans with water and add in.  So 4 cans of sauce and 4 cans of water.

The seasoning comes next.  Here is everything she adds.  The far right is sugar.

Her measurements are cover the top with everything, then drop in 2 bay leaves.  As far as I can tell it is equal amounts of all, but she is heavier with the oregano.  Probably a tablespoon of all, 2 of oregano.  

Stir everything together, bring to a simmer and cover.  She simmers this for about 2-3 hours.  Stirring and tasting anytime she wants.  I am not allowed to stir or taste without her presence.  I think she fears I will add in a little CRP.  I beg her too anytime this is on the stove.  A great sauce for any noodle.  We used the last of the Tagliarini.  As usual we served with garlic cheese bread.

Even with the pound of mushrooms, I always wish there were more, but it was great as usual.  This is my comfort food.  Heart warming, delicious, filling food, the meal you can eat all the helpings you want. What is your comfort food?