Go Back
To make a great Sunday gravy, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 bay leaf - 5 Italian sausage links (mild or spicy, your choice) - 1 pound beef chuck, cut into large chunks - Fresh basil for garnish These ingredients create a rich base for your sauce. Each one plays a key role. The onions and garlic bring sweetness, while the meat adds depth. Tomatoes give the sauce its heart and soul. While the essential ingredients are crucial, adding optional ones can elevate your gravy. Consider these extras: - Red wine for richness - Fresh parsley for brightness - Crushed red pepper for heat - Parmesan rind for umami These ingredients can give your gravy a unique twist. If you want, try adding them to see how they change the flavor. When it comes to tomatoes, both fresh and canned have their place. Fresh tomatoes are great in summer. They add bright, bold flavor. However, canned tomatoes are more consistent and easier to use. They are also often picked at peak ripeness, so they have great taste. For Sunday gravy, I recommend using canned crushed tomatoes. They save time and give you a rich sauce every time. For the full recipe, check out Savor the Sunday: Authentic Italian Gravy. Enjoy making this special dish for your family! Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat. Add 1 large onion, chopped finely. Next, toss in 1 diced large carrot and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté these until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook until you smell that garlic goodness, about 1 minute. Now, it's time for the tomatoes. Pour in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well to mix. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Then, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss in 1 bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. In a separate pan, brown 5 Italian sausage links over medium heat. Make sure they are nicely browned on all sides. This step adds lots of flavor to your gravy. Once done, add the sausages to the pot with the sauce. Next, sear 1 pound of beef chuck, cut into large chunks, in the same pan. Brown those pieces on all sides. This will build more flavor. After browning, transfer the beef to the pot as well. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally. This lets all those flavors blend beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired thickness. After simmering, taste the sauce. Adjust it with more salt or pepper if needed. Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your delicious Sunday gravy! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your Sunday gravy truly special, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe tomatoes for the best taste. Sauté your veggies until they are soft. This builds a strong flavor base. Add garlic near the end of cooking to keep its punch. If you want more depth, try adding a splash of red wine. A bay leaf brings out the aroma, too. Don't rush the simmering process. A long, slow cook allows flavors to blend well. Avoid adding salt too early; wait until the end. This way, you can taste and adjust. Overcooking the meat can make it tough. Lastly, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. Prep your veggies the night before. This cuts down your cooking time. You can also brown the meat ahead of time. If you have a busy day, use a slow cooker. Just set it and let the flavors meld while you go about your day. For quick meals, consider making a larger batch. You can freeze leftovers for easy dinners later. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can customize your Sunday gravy by adding different meats. Italian sausage is a favorite, but try meatballs or pork ribs. Meatballs can add a nice texture and flavor. If you like, use both sausage and meatballs for a hearty mix. Pork ribs give it a rich taste and are tender after simmering. You can also add chicken for a lighter option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for any new meats. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the meat entirely. Use mushrooms for a hearty texture. They absorb flavors well and add a deep, earthy taste. You can also add lentils for protein and fiber. To enhance the sauce, include extra veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. They bring color and flavor to the gravy. Don't forget to add extra herbs and spices to keep the taste vibrant. To spice up your sauce, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh touch. A splash of red wine can enhance the flavor, too. Just let it simmer a bit longer for the alcohol to cook off. Experiment with these ideas to create your own version of Sunday gravy. You'll find a mix that your family loves! To keep your Sunday gravy fresh, let it cool first. Transfer the gravy to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. If you want to save your gravy for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the gravy to cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space in the container for expansion. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your gravy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Just remember to stir in between to heat evenly. For the best taste, serve it over fresh pasta. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. An authentic gravy comes from tradition. It has rich flavors and uses fresh ingredients. Quality tomatoes, herbs, and meat create depth. Slow cooking is key, letting flavors blend well. Classic recipes often use family techniques passed down through generations. This creates a warm, hearty dish that feels like home. Yes, you can use a slow cooker for Sunday Gravy. Start by sautéing the vegetables and meat in a pan. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes and spices. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method lets the flavors develop nicely while you go about your day. To adjust spice, start by tasting your sauce. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage. For less heat, use mild sausage or skip any spicy ingredients. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance the flavors if it gets too spicy. Sunday Gravy can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Gravy can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You learned about the key elements for making Sunday Gravy, from essential ingredients to storage tips. I shared step-by-step instructions to create a rich, flavorful sauce. You can enhance your gravy with my tips, avoid common mistakes, and explore variations. Remember, cooking is about finding what you love. Don't be afraid to adjust flavors or experiment. With practice, you'll make a Sunday Gravy that your family will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Authentic Italian Sunday Gravy

Indulge in the rich flavors of Authentic Italian Gravy with this easy recipe perfect for Sunday meals! With ingredients like fresh tomatoes, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs, this delicious gravy brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Follow simple steps to create a hearty sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

5 Italian sausage links (mild or spicy, your choice)

1 pound beef chuck, cut into large chunks

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

        Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine.

          Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.

            In a separate pan, brown the Italian sausage links over medium heat until nicely browned on all sides. Once browned, add the sausages to the pot with the sauce.

              In the same pan, sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. Once browned, add the beef to the pot as well.

                Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.

                  After simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

                    Remove the bay leaf before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the gravy over freshly cooked pasta and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for an extra flavor boost.