Classic Sunday Gravy Recipe

Sunday Gravy, also known as Italian Meat Sauce, is a rich, hearty sauce that’s traditionally served with pasta on Sundays in many Italian-American households. It’s slow-cooked to perfection with a variety of meats (like sausage, meatballs, and pork), simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and packed with layers of flavor. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to make it!

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Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Total Time: 3-4 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Italian, Comfort Food
• Servings: 6-8 servings

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Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (28 oz) can tomato puree
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sausage:

• 4 Italian sausages (sweet or hot, depending on preference)

For the Pork (optional, for extra richness):

• 1 lb pork neck bones, or pork shoulder cut into chunks (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-15 meatballs.
3. Brown the meatballs: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be cooked through, just browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Pork

1. Brown the sausages: In the same skillet, add the Italian sausages and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the sausages and set aside.
2. Optional pork: If using pork neck bones or pork shoulder, brown them in the same skillet as well to build flavor. Set the pork aside with the sausages.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and tomato paste. Add the oregano, basil, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Deglaze the pot: If using wine, pour the red wine into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add great flavor to the sauce. If not using wine, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up.
4. Bring to a simmer: Stir everything together, bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Meats to the Sauce

1. Add the browned meatballs, sausages, and optional pork to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meats with the sauce.
2. Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it to your desired consistency. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor will become.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cook the pasta: While the gravy is simmering, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Spaghetti, rigatoni, or ziti work wonderfully with this sauce.
2. Serve the sauce: When ready to serve, spoon the meatballs, sausage, and sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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Tips and Variations:

• Add more vegetables: You can add a chopped carrot or celery to the sauce for added depth and flavor.
• Make it a day ahead: Sunday Gravy often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Add fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can be added toward the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Make it spicier: If you like heat, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze any leftover gravy for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container.

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Enjoy Your Classic Sunday Gravy!

This rich, flavorful sauce is the perfect Sunday meal that will fill your home with the delicious aroma of slow-cooked goodness. Serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad for the ultimate Italian feast! Buon appetito! 🍝🍷

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