1-First Step: Gather and measure all ingredients before you start. Chop 1 medium onion and, if using, chop 1/4 cup fresh basil. If you choose the meat option, decide whether you will use 1 pound ground beef or the mix of 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage and 1/2 pound ground beef. Pre-measure 15 ounces tomato sauce, 6 ounces tomato paste, 1 cup water, and the seasonings.

2-Second Step: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef (or sausage/beef mix) and the chopped onion. Brown, breaking the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming greasy and to control fat content.

3-Third Step: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add 15 ounces tomato sauce and 6 ounces tomato paste straight to the pan. Stir to combine so the paste dissolves into the sauce. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and crushed red pepper to taste. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir well to mix all the flavors together, and bring to a gentle boil. This is the point to taste and adjust salt and pepper.

4-Fourth Step: Add 1 cup water and stir again. Reduce the heat to low so the sauce maintains a gentle simmer. Cover partially or leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and the sauce to thicken. Simmer for 30 minutes as directed in the original recipe; for a richer flavor, simmer longer up to 1 hour or more stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few tablespoons of water while simmering.

5-Final Step: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil if desired. Taste one more time and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your pasta of choice.