There’s really nothing quite like an Italian Sunday gravy. Some may think it’s just spaghetti sauce, but this slow-simmered succulent sauce is so full of flavor that standard spaghetti sauce can’t even compare.
Gather This
These simple ingredients, and the warmth of your stove, do most of the work to bring this simple sunday gravy together! A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Tomatoes – I like to use both crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Crushed makes the sauce hearty and bright, while diced tomatoes add a bit of texture and flavor in contrast.
- Cooked Meatballs – Meatballs are not just a protein addition; they add tons of flavor! You can buy prepared meatballs at the store or make your own homemade meatballs. For the best results, form them into 1-inch balls before baking and then add them to your sauce.
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Fresh oregano
- Ground black pepper
- Bay leaves
- Italian sausage
- Canned mushrooms
- Salt – I don’t feel this recipe needs any additional salt- but if you do, try adding some coarse Kosher salt to taste.
- Seasonings – A pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a spicy kick of flavor! Fresh basil will give the sauce a burst of fresh, herbal flavor but you can choose your other favorite herbs.
- Swaps – For a leaner option, ground turkey meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs. You can also used pulled pork. Fresh mushrooms are a great alternative — choose whichever variety you like!
- Senses – With bold italian herbs, tender meat and different textures of tomato, this sunday gravy will have your mouth watering from the aromas of it cooking.
Perfect Pairings
We love to just simply serve this sunday gravy over our favorite al dente pasta. But it’s made even better with garlic knots or a simple garlic bread to soak up all that savory sauce. It’s also perfectly paired with a simple salad or minestrone soup.
You can also add apps or sides like a caprese salad or skewers, polenta, bruschetta, or easy broccolini. You can even spoon it over your morning eggs!
Sunday Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions chopped *see notes
- 4-6 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced *see notes
- 84 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano minced
- 2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 bay leaves
- 1-2 pounds cooked meatballs
- 1 pound Italian sausage cooked and cut into bite-size pieces*
- 14 ounces canned mushrooms drained
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped 2 medium yellow onions and minced 4-6 cloves garlic, sauteing until translucent.
- Add the 84 ounces crushed tomatoes and 28 ounces diced tomatoes, juice and all. Everything that is in the can.
- Stir in the chopped 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, 2 teaspoon ground black pepper and 4 bay leaves. Add the 1-2 pounds cooked meatballs, cut 1 pound Italian sausage and drained 14 ounces canned mushrooms.
- Lower to the least amount of heat possible. Cover with the lid ajar for steam to release.
- Simmer for 4-6 hours, stirring every so often to prevent scorching.
- When ready to serve, cook desired pasta.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Spoon over pasta and top with cheese or crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Notes
Amount of garlic will depend heavily on your taste and the size of your garlic cloves. It you are using a large head, use 4, a small head will call for 6. If you really love garlic, use more and if you don’t, use less. To cook sausage, bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes. Allow to cool, then slice into 1/2 inch pieces. Drain well on a paper towel lined plate before adding to sauce.
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Store the sauce and the pasta separately in the fridge. It will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Yes, you can! Freeze the sauce for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container.
Common Questions About Sunday Gravy
The term Sunday gravy originated in the Italian-American communities in the northeastern United States and references the sauce’s unique thickness due to the slow, hours-long simmering process of making it.
Sunday sauce can be made with a variety of different ingredients, but at its heart the sauce is a combination of tomatoes and meat along with simple but flavorful seasonings. This recipe uses Italian sausage and meatballs but you can also incorporate short ribs or pork neck bones or bone-in pork chops with a good sear.
Sunday gravy is similar to what many people would refer to as spaghetti sauce but it’s a thicker and richer version.
More Savory Sauces
There’s nothing I love more than a good homemade sauce. Here are a few of our favorites.
I love pastas and I am tried your recipe, my family loves it! thanks for sharing!
My family went crazy for this spaghetti sauce! I finally found the perfect recipe—it’s the BEST!
This recipe for sunday gravy was so tasty! Will definitely be making it again (and again!)
Omg this really was so much better than regular spaghetti sauce!! It was so much more flavorful and had a nice consistency that coated the pasta so well. I’m never going back to the jarred, store-bought version again!