✓ Prepare Ingredients: Finely dice the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery stalk.

✓ Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften and release their moisture.

✓ Add Ground Meat: Once the vegetables are soft, add the ground beef or pork mix. Break it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking.

✓ Cook Meat: Stir occasionally and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the meat is browned all over.

✓ Deglaze Skillet: Pour in half of the red wine (if using) and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.

✓ Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, or thyme.

✓ Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

✓ Thicken with Cream (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, stir in the milk or cream during the last few minutes of cooking.

✓ Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary.