SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI SAUCE

I like to make this up, then freeze portions for future reference.  If you have a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker you can double the recipe.  If you like your sauce spicier, use one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies--Lois

1 lb extra lean ground beef

3 links spicy Italian sausage

2 onions, diced

2 small cans sliced mushrooms

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can diced tomatoes and juice

6 oz. tomato paste

1 ½  T Italian seasoning

1 ½ tsp sugar

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

¼ tsp crushed red pepper

Cut the sausage into half in slices and brown in a hot skillet.  While it browns, add all other ingredients except the beef to the slow cooker.

Remove the browned sausage from the skillet to the slow cooker, Drain excess fat from the skillet, then brown the beef.  Add it to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook at high for 6 to 8 hours.