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Heat a large cast iron skillet to medium high heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Brown the meat and cook all the way through.
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Add the chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes into the pan with the ground beef. Saute for 3-4 minutes, to soften the onion and garlic.
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Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce, then add 1/2 cup of water to the jar and shake it up. Add the marinara water into the pan.
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Mix the sauce and meat together, and add the thyme and bay leaf.
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Simmer the sauce on low for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated. You want the sauce to be super thick and meaty. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed. Remove the bay leaf & thyme, toss in the fresh parsley, and stir one final time. Serve over cooked spaghetti, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.