A rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce perfect for pasta or lasagna.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Using a heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into small pieces, and cook until browned.
Cook the meat thoroughly to develop a rich flavor.
Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
Draining excess fat helps reduce greasiness.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes.
Fresh mushrooms add a nice texture and flavor.
Return the meat to the skillet and stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine, basil, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and sugar.
Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce.
This step helps thicken the sauce to the desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Adding cheese at the end enhances the sauce's creaminess.
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a filling for lasagna.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.