Step 16:
Don't forget the bay leaves. I once asked a cook what a bay leaf did. All he could really tell me is that it 'brings together' tomato- based sauce. Good enough for me.
I would let it simmer for at least 45 minutes before even tasting it. All the ingredients need to blend and intermix like a boozy fraternity party. At most, I'd wager it's not going to get much better after 3 hours of simmering. Go a head and dive in. If it's not as thick as you like it to be, add some cornstarch. I would have done tortilla chips, but I don't have any here yet.