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Italian Sunday Gravy

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Italian Sunday Gravy is a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce filled with tender cuts of beef, sausage, pork ribs, and meatballs. Cooked for hours with herbs and tomatoes, this classic Italian-American sauce develops deep flavor and is traditionally served over pasta for family gatherings and hearty weekend meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 lb beef chuck
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 lb pork ribs
  • 12 small meatballs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb pasta of choice

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add beef chuck, sausage, and pork ribs and brown them on all sides.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir well to combine.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
  8. Add bay leaves and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  9. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  10. Add meatballs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  11. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.
  12. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  13. Serve pasta topped with the rich gravy and meats.
  14. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, add 1/2 cup red wine when adding the tomatoes.
  • The sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop.
  • Hearty pasta shapes like rigatoni, spaghetti, or penne work best with this sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/italian-sunday-gravy/