If you have ever dreamed of capturing the heart and soul of a true Italian family dinner in one pot, this Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor from slow-cooked meats and vibrant tomatoes, it is more than just a sauce—it’s a celebration of tradition and love simmered to perfection. This recipe brings together an irresistible combination of Italian sausage, pork ribs, beef, and aromatics, all melded into a luscious tomato sauce that clings beautifully to any pasta you choose. Whether you’re making it for a cozy Sunday dinner or a special gathering, this dish will make your kitchen smell like a warm Italian home and fill your table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a truly authentic and flavorful Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the savory depth from the meats, the brightness from fresh herbs, or the rich texture of slow-cooked tomatoes.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for that authentic Italian aroma and richness.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference to add a kick of flavor.
- Pork ribs or pork neck bones (1 pound): These add wonderful gelatin and richness to the sauce as they cook low and slow.
- Beef chuck or meatballs (1/2 pound): Perfect for adding hearty texture and savory taste to the gravy.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): A must for that unmistakable Italian flavor punch.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 28 ounces each): The luscious body of your Sunday sauce.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Enhances smoothness and consistency.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes for a mellow sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings that classic Italian herb note.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle spicy kick.
- Bay leaves (2): Impart a delicate earthy aroma while simmering.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Stirred in at the end for a fresh, fragrant finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving: The perfect toppings to personalize every bite.
How to Make Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Begin by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the Italian sausage first, making sure to get a nice caramelized exterior, then set aside. Repeat this process with the pork ribs and beef chuck or meatballs. This browning step is vital as it develops deep, savory flavors essential to a hearty Sunday gravy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste
Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot, cooking until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about one minute, making sure not to burn it. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute to elevate its sweetness and concentrate the flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, giving everything a good stir to combine all the layers of flavor. Now it’s time to season the sauce with salt, black pepper, sugar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and add the bay leaves. These seasonings transform simple tomatoes into a vibrant and rich sauce.
Step 4: Return Meats and Simmer
Gently nestle all the browned meats back into the pot, making sure they are partially submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer is when the magic happens: the meat becomes meltingly tender, and the sauce thickens into a luscious, flavorful gravy.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil
In the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh chopped basil. This burst of green freshness adds a bright, herbal note that really brings the Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe to life. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
How to Serve Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this sauce more than freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled generously on top. A few fresh basil leaves add not only a beautiful touch of color but also an aromatic freshness that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Sunday sauce pairs beautifully with classic pasta like rigatoni, spaghetti, or pappardelle, which are perfect for holding onto the thick, meaty gravy. Add a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meats shredded into the sauce for a family-style feast or offer the meats on the side so everyone can build their own perfect bite. You could also stuff pasta shells or use the sauce as a flavorful base for Italian-style lasagna or baked ziti for a twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This sauce tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its rich taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
What is the difference between Italian Sunday Gravy and regular pasta sauce?
Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe is a hearty, slow-cooked sauce made with a combination of meats such as sausage, pork ribs, and beef, simmered for hours to develop deep, layered flavors. Regular pasta sauce tends to be simpler and quicker, often without the inclusion of multiple meats.
Can I make this recipe without pork?
Absolutely! While pork adds richness and depth, you can substitute with additional beef or even chicken thighs. The key is to choose flavorful cuts that will hold up to slow cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten entirely.
Can I prepare the sauce a day ahead?
Yes, in fact, preparing Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen even more. Simply refrigerate overnight and gently reheat before serving.
What pasta shapes work best with Sunday gravy?
Hearty pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or pappardelle are perfect because their ridges and wide surfaces help capture the thick, meaty sauce for every delicious bite.
Final Thoughts
Making Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe is more than preparing a meal; it’s an experience that connects you with generations of Italian home cooks who took pride in slow-simmered, lovingly crafted sauces. I encourage you to try this recipe not just for its incredible taste, but also for the joy that comes with sharing a pot of comforting, delicious gravy with the people you love. Soon, you’ll find it becoming a treasured tradition at your table too.
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Italian Sunday Gravy (Sunday Sauce) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and hearty Italian Sunday Gravy, also known as Sunday Sauce, slow-simmered with Italian sausage, pork ribs, beef chuck, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a family gathering, this traditional sauce is packed with robust flavors and tender meats, served best over pasta with grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 pound bone-in pork ribs or pork neck bones
- 1/2 pound beef chuck or meatballs
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
Tomato Base
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown the meats: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Repeat the process with pork ribs and beef chuck or meatballs until all meats are nicely seared. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aroma.
- Develop the tomato base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen its flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot, mixing thoroughly with onions and garlic.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, sugar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Return all browned meats into the sauce, nestling them in carefully.
- Slow simmer the sauce: Lower heat to the lowest setting and simmer the sauce uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking helps the meats become tender and the sauce to thicken and develop deep flavors.
- Finish with fresh basil: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped fresh basil leaves. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve: Ladle sauce with meat over your favorite pasta or shred meat into the sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For the richest flavor, prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
- This recipe makes a large batch and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
- To keep the recipe Gluten-Free, serve over gluten-free pasta.
