Kittencal'S Jazzed-Up Pasta Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to heat level)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
2 (26 ounce) jars marinara sauce (or use a meatless pasta sauce)
2 teaspoons salt (a good tomato sauce needs lots of salt to bring out the flavor)
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Preparation

In a medium pot brown the ground beef with onion until no longer pink; drain all fat.
Add in the garlic, chili flakes and drained mushrooms; cook stirring until the meat is browned (about 12 minutes, for best flavor the meat needs to be lightly browned).
Mix in the Parmesan cheese (if using) then pasta sauce; bring to a simmer stirring over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes or even longer, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt, pepper and sugar (if using) about halfway through cooking.