If you burn it,
you're trying to rush it! Like Emeril Lagasse says, use the knob on the stove.
I have never used Ketchup in my sugo. It's not a thing most Italians do.
My Bologanaise' starts like so; I sweat a small chopped onion with the garlic and olive oil in the sauce pot. Don't burn the garlic, that makes it bitter. Then I deglaze with Lumbrusco, chianti, or other dry red wine. About 1/4 cup. Let most of the alcohol evaporate.
I toss in a small bay leaf, a 28 oz. can of puree'd Cento, or other brand San Marzano plum tomatoes, 2 6 0z. cans of paste, mushrooms if desired, basil, oregano, fresh ground peepr and salt to taste. You can always add salt, you can't take it out. bring to the simmer, and cook on very low with the lid vented on the edge. Stir about every 20 min. until thick and rich. If it's too thick, add a bit of water. My grandma cooked hers all day. If you like, add a pich or two of sugar.
Taste and reseason to taste.
You can add ground beef, veal, pork, sausage, meatballs, or eveb beef short ribs.