The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

▢1 ½ pounds ground beef or pork sausage ▢1 large onion, chopped ▢1 large green pepper, chopped ▢2 cloves garlic, minced ▢3 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes ▢1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ▢2 teaspoons brown sugar ▢1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano ▢1 teaspoon salt ▢½ teaspoon dried basil ▢½ teaspoon dried thyme ▢1 bay leaf ▢2 cups water, or beef broth

In a dutch oven cook meat, onion, green pepper, and garlic until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano, salt, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir in the water or beef broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until sauce is of desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf. Serve over hot cooked spaghetti.