Meat Sauce:

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped (brown, yellow or white)
• 1 lb / 500g beef mince (ground beef) OR half pork, half beef
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry red wine (sub water or beef broth/stock)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled OR granulated beef bouillon
• 800g / 28 oz can crushed tomato (or tomato passata)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp white sugar, if needed
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano)
• 3/4 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

To Serve:

• 400 g / 13 oz spaghetti, dried
• Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley (optional)