Spaghetti Sauce

1-2 TB olive oil
1 c onion, chopped and divided
1/2 red pepper, coarsely chopped
1 lb hamburger
3 cloves garlic, diced
1 6-oz can tomato paste
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 tsp basil
3/4 tsp thyme
1 14-oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
3/4 c beef broth
1 TB brown sugar
1 bay leaf
1 TB balsamic vinegar

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 of the onions and saute. Add garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add beef and cook until brown. Drain beef slightly. Blend up the remaining onions and red pepper in a blender until mostly smooth. Add mix to the beef, cooking for another minute. Add tomato paste and spices and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, beef broth, and sugar. Stir until combined. Add bay leaf.
2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in the balsamic vinegar.