Italian Sunday Sauce, also known as Sunday Gravy, is a rich, slow-cooked tomato sauce that’s perfect for pasta, meatballs, and more. This hearty sauce is a staple in many Italian-American households, often prepared on weekends when families gather to enjoy a leisurely meal together. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for ladling over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Italian Sunday Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the red wine to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Tomatoes: The base of the sauce, tomatoes provide a rich, tangy flavor and a vibrant color. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste are used for a thick, hearty sauce.
- Meat: A combination of ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage adds depth of flavor and richness to the sauce. Browning the meat before simmering helps develop the flavors.
- Red Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce. Use a good-quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking.
- Herbs: Dried basil and oregano are classic Italian herbs that pair well with tomatoes and meat. They add a savory, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances their natural sweetness. Adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
Enjoy this Italian Sunday Sauce with your favorite pasta, meatballs, or Italian sausage for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
