Mom’s Dynamite Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 5 medium green peppers, finely chopped
• 4 large onions, chopped (6 cups)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
• 1 can (16 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2-1/4 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 16 hoagie buns or other sandwich rolls, split