- 2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cups diced onion (divided as 1 cup fine dice and 2 cups ¾ inch dice)
- 3 cups diced green bell pepper (divided as 1 cup fine dice and 2 cups ¾ inch dice)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (we like Pastene)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 5.5 ounce can of V-8 juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2-3 Fresh Parmesan rinds, about 4 inch squares (optional)
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh chopped mint (if using dried, use half that amount)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (if using dried, use half that amount)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano (if using dried, use half that amount)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 12 ounce dry elbow macaroni noodles
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving