Slow-cooked to perfection, this classic Italian Sunday Gravy is packed with rich tomato flavor, tender meats, and pure comfort. It’s the ultimate dish to bring the family together around the table.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet), cut into chunks
- 1 pound beef short ribs or pork neck bones
- 1 pound meatballs (optional but traditional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for serving
- Cooked pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti preferred)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Meats:
🔥 In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the sausage and beef short ribs on all sides in batches. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
🧅 In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Deglaze with Wine:
🍷 Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
🍅 Crush the canned tomatoes by hand or with a spoon, then add them to the pot. Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes.
5️⃣ Simmer the Gravy:
🥄 Return all the meats (and meatballs if using) to the pot. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and let simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Finish with Basil and Serve:
🌿 Stir in fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve over cooked pasta with plenty of grated cheese on top.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Italian Sunday Gravy
- 🍳 Dutch Oven – Ideal for slow-simmering your gravy to perfection.
- 🍅 San Marzano Tomatoes – Authentic and rich in flavor.
- 🔪 Meat Chopper Tool – Helps break down tomatoes and stir meats easily.
- 🧄 Garlic Press – Speeds up mincing fresh garlic.
- 🧂 Italian Seasoning Blend – Adds extra depth to your sauce.
- 🍝 Rigatoni Pasta – Perfect pasta to catch all that meaty sauce.
💡 Helpful Tip:
Make your Sunday Gravy a day ahead—the flavors deepen overnight and taste even better the next day! Store leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for a future feast.
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