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The Best Authentic Italian Sunday Gravy

The Best Authentic Italian Sunday Gravy

Discover the rich flavors of The Best Authentic Italian Sunday Gravy, a perfect dish for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 421 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot or dutch oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 lbs pork loin pork chops, ribs and/or neck bones
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small yellow or sweet onion, finely diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
  • pinch of red chili flakes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, finely minced
  • pinch of sugar optional
  • 1 ½ lbs Italian sausage hot, sweet or both
  • 1 batch homemade Italian meatballs or store-bought meatballs cooked (16-20 meatballs)
  • pasta for serving
  • pecorino Romano cheese grated, for serving
  • ricotta cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper, then sear until nicely browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  • Lower the heat to medium, then add the onions to the pot and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and chili flakes, then continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, bay leaves and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Fill one empty tomato can ½ to ¾ of the way with water and add it to the pot, then stir to combine. If using whole peeled tomatoes, use the back of a wooden spoon to break them apart, or use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce.
  • Bring the sauce up to a boil, then add the pork loin, sausage and meatballs and reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover, but leave the lid slightly ajar and simmer on the lowest possible heat setting, stirring about every 20 minutes to prevent the bottom from burning, for about 3 hours, or until the pork is falling apart. Turn off the heat and allow the meats to sit in the sauce until ready to eat.
  • Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed. Remove the bay leaves and any bones from the pork, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the meats to a large platter.
  • Toss al dente pasta with a little bit of sauce, then transfer the rest to gravy boats or another serving vessel, and serve the pasta with the platter of meats and sauce on the side, with a bowl of grated cheese and a bowl of ricotta for passing at the table.

Notes

Cook the onion and garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid browning. Have your can of tomatoes opened and ready before adding the garlic so that you can add it quickly to prevent the garlic from burning. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the chunks of tomato and onion. This recipe is forgiving - adjust meat types or amounts as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 421kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 32gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 694mgPotassium: 836mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 258IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Authentic Italian, Comfort Food, Italian Gravy, Meat Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Sunday Gravy
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