The moment I start to sauté garlic in olive oil, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where Sundays were devoted to the beloved tradition of making Italian Sunday Gravy. The rich, savory aroma was like a warm hug wrapping around my family, beckoning us to gather around the table. Each stirring of the pot was a labor of love, blending the savory depths of succulent meats with the vibrant freshness of crushed tomatoes, simmering slowly to create a sauce that was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of togetherness and heritage.
As the simmering sauce filled our home, memories were made, laughter echoed, and the hustle of the week fell away. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a newcomer eager to explore homemade comforts, this Hearty Italian Sunday Gravy will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, it embodies everything comfort food should be—rich, heartwarming, and absolutely delicious. So, let’s dive into this timeless recipe and start creating those moments together!
Why is Italian Sunday Gravy a must-try?
Heartwarming Tradition: This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about reliving memories and creating new ones around the table.
Rich, Layered Flavor: Combining meats with a lovingly simmered tomato sauce creates a taste that’s deep and comforting.
Versatile Options: Customize the meats and spices to reflect your family’s traditions and preferences for a personal touch.
Easy to Prepare: Although it takes time to simmer, the steps are simple, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Serving this hearty gravy will impress your guests, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Experience the joys of cooking with my Hearty Italian Sunday Gravy recipe that will transform your gatherings!
Italian Sunday Gravy Ingredients
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For the Gravy Base
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Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics; feel free to substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
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Short Ribs – Provides depth and flavor, essential for the gravy; can swap with oxtails or pork ribs for a twist.
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Italian Sausages – Contributes spice and texture; choose sweet or spicy based on your family’s taste preference.
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Meatballs – Combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, and eggs for protein; can opt for turkey or chicken as lean alternatives.
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For the Sauce
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Onion & Carrots – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce; using fresh is best, but dried can work in a pinch.
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Garlic – Key ingredient for flavor; adjust quantity to suit your taste.
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Red Wine – Enhances flavors and acidity; substitute beef stock for a non-alcoholic option.
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Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste – Forms the sauce base; opt for San Marzano for the richest flavor.
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For the Herb Blend
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Fresh Herbs (Basil, Rosemary, Bay Leaves) – Elevates flavor, and while dried herbs can be used, reduce the quantity.
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Oregano – A classic Italian seasoning that harmonizes the flavor profile of your Italian Sunday Gravy.
Dive into this delightful mix and relish the warmth of Italian tradition in your kitchen!
How to Make Italian Sunday Gravy
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Prepare Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, and seasonings. Shape into 1½-inch balls and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up before cooking.
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Brown the Meats: Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs, sausage, and meatballs in batches, aiming for a golden hue on each; set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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Deglaze: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
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Make Gravy: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to create the base. Add the browned short ribs back into the pot along with any accumulated juices for added flavor.
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Simmer: Cover the pot and let your gravy simmer on medium-low heat for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens.
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Add Remaining Meats: After the initial simmer, stir in the Italian sausages and let everything simmer uncovered for an additional hour. Finally, incorporate the meatballs to warm through and meld the flavors for another hour before serving.
Optional: Serve alongside freshly grated Parmesan for an added touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Italian Sunday Gravy?
Each spoonful of this savory dish just begs for the perfect pairing to elevate your dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery goodness of garlic bread is a delightful contrast to the rich, hearty gravy and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
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Creamy Polenta: Its smooth, comforting texture adds a lovely balance to the robust flavors of the gravy while enhancing the meal’s overall warmth.
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Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with tangy vinaigrette lightens up the plate, offering a refreshing contrast to the heavy sauce and meats.
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Roasted Vegetables: Sweet roasted carrots and earthy Brussels sprouts add a colorful plate appeal while providing a nutritious balance to the hearty gravy.
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Pasta: Classic spaghetti or al dente rigatoni pairs beautifully, each noodle capturing the chunky, rich sauce for a truly satisfying bite.
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Chianti Wine: A glass of this robust red wine complements the depth of the Italian Sunday Gravy, enriching the meal with its bold flavor.
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Tiramisu: Finish off your feast with this classic Italian dessert; its coffee-flavored cream and light textures are the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.
Indulge in these delightful pairings to create a memorable Italian feast that celebrates every delicious detail of your Sunday cravings!
Make Ahead Options
Italian Sunday Gravy is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor rich flavors without last-minute stress. You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can brown the meats up to 3 days ahead. Simply store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, follow the sauce-making steps and add the prepped meats. With just a bit of heating and simmering, you’ll have a delicious, stress-free meal that’s just as satisfying as if you had made it all in one go!
Italian Sunday Gravy Variations
Feel free to make this comforting classic your own with a few creative twists!
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Beef Swap: Substitute short ribs with beef shank for a leaner yet equally flavorful option that still delivers on taste.
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Pork Perfection: Use pork ribs instead of short ribs to introduce a sweeter, richer flavor that melds beautifully with the sauce!
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Turkey Meatballs: For a lighter take, replace traditional meatballs with turkey meatballs while maintaining that savory essence of your gravy.
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Herb Boost: Infuse more flavor by adding fresh thyme or sage along with basil and rosemary for a delightful aromatic twist.
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Smoky Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes can add a subtle smokiness to your sauce, deepening the flavor profile for an exciting change.
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Veggie Delight: Add assorted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a nutritious twist that complements the rich gravy beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes for an added spark of heat, tempting those who love a little zing in their meals.
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Pasta Variations: Experiment with different types of pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, for a unique dining experience that will delight everyone.
How to Store and Freeze Italian Sunday Gravy
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Fridge: Store any leftover Italian Sunday Gravy in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the gravy in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date so you can enjoy it later.
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Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
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Reheating: Gently reheat the thawed gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick.
Tips for the Best Italian Sunday Gravy
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Brown Thoroughly: Ensure that you brown the meats well for rich, deep flavors. Skipping this step might leave your gravy tasting flat.
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Control Heat: Keep the heat low during simmering to avoid burning the sauce. Stir occasionally to minimize sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving. A pinch of salt or a dash of oregano can make a world of difference in flavor.
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Let It Rest: Allow the gravy to rest for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors develop and meld beautifully.
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Experiment with Additions: Don’t hesitate to add different meats or vegetables based on your family traditions and preferences. Italian Sunday Gravy is all about personalization!
Italian Sunday Gravy Recipe FAQs
What type of tomatoes should I use for Italian Sunday Gravy?
For the best flavor, I recommend using San Marzano tomatoes, as they are sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. You can use crushed tomatoes and tomato paste for a rich, thick sauce. If you prefer a bit of smokiness, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes as a delightful alternative!
How should I store leftover Italian Sunday Gravy?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to let the gravy cool completely before sealing it for storage. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld even more—trust me, it just gets better!
Can I freeze Italian Sunday Gravy?
Absolutely! To freeze, let your gravy cool down, then transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date for easy tracking; the gravy will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, either thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave, then warm it up slowly on the stovetop.
What if my gravy tastes too acidic?
No worries! If you find the gravy is too acidic due to the tomatoes, you can balance it out. Add a pinch of sugar (start with around half a teaspoon) and stir well. Alternatively, some cooks like to throw in a bit of grated carrot, which adds natural sweetness as it cooks down.
Can I adjust the meats used in Italian Sunday Gravy?
Very much so! This recipe is all about family traditions, so feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy. You can swap short ribs for beef shank or even add braciole for an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure to maintain a balance between the meat dimensions and overall flavor.
Is Italian Sunday Gravy safe for pets?
It’s best to keep this hearty gravy away from pets, particularly due to ingredients like garlic and onions, which can be harmful to them. Always ensure to have their meals prepared separately with safe ingredients to keep your furry friends healthy!
Italian Sunday Gravy: Hearty Comfort for Family Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, and seasonings. Shape into 1½-inch balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs, sausage, and meatballs in batches; set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Add the browned short ribs back into the pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Cover and let your gravy simmer on medium-low heat for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Italian sausages and let everything simmer uncovered for an additional hour. Incorporate the meatballs to warm through for another hour.