Add olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm gently so the onion and garlic cook evenly without burning.

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Stir slowly until soft and fragrant, letting the natural sweetness come out nicely.

Add ground beef or sausage and break it apart. Cook until browned fully, stirring often so there are no large clumps anywhere.

If there is too much grease in the pot, carefully drain it. This helps the sauce taste cleaner and keeps it from feeling heavy.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Mix everything well so the meat and sauce combine into one rich base.

Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour in water or broth and stir until smooth and even.

Lower the heat and let it simmer slowly. Stir sometimes while it cooks so nothing sticks to the bottom or burns quietly.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. If too thick, add water. If thin, simmer longer to thicken naturally.

Serve over hot spaghetti or any pasta you love. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and simple happy comfort.