Lots O Veggies Sausage Spaghetti Sauce

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

1 pound lean ground beef

¼ cup olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, quartered and sliced

12 ounces mushrooms, sliced

2 carrots, shredded

4 ounces fresh basil, julienned

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon white sugar

salt and pepper to taste

3 (28 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook sausage and ground beef until brown. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Set aside.

In a large stock pot or Dutch oven heat oil over medium heat. Cook onions in oil until translucent. Stir in green and red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and carrots and cook until just tender. Add browned sausage and ground beef. Stir in basil, spinach, thyme, oregano, garlic, sugar and salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 5 minutes. Pour in tomatoes, stir well, reduce heat, cover and simmer 3 hours, stirring occasionally.