I'm always trying to create the ultimate, but I've never quite achieved it. I definitely need more restraint in terms of number of ingredients. EDIT: For Kicks, I dug up this very old family recipe.
Ground veal is hard to find and unethical to boot, but using just beef and pork plus powdered gelatin gives you the same texture and moisture retention.
I add carrots, garlic, mushrooms, and/or other leftover veggies I need to use up and get the kids to eat but, don't put them through the food processor cause I like the bigger pieces that hand dicing yields.
I cut down on the salt from the barefoot contessa recipe too, especially if I'm using a salted chicken broth or better than bullion in the garlic sauce.
A few anchovies and a pinch of msg bumps up the umami.