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+ servings
Chunks of beef, sausages, and meatballs submerged in a deep red tomato gravy, sprinkled with herbs.

Italian Sunday Gravy

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
A rich and hearty Italian Sunday Gravy made with pork, Italian sausage, meatballs, and a tomato-based sauce. Perfect for family gatherings and comforting meals.
10 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 –3 lbs pork loin, chops, ribs, or neck bones
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small yellow or sweet onion finely diced
  • 5 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • Pinch of red chili flakes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced Italian parsley
  • Pinch of sugar optional
  • lbs Italian sausage hot, sweet, or a mix
  • 1 batch of homemade Italian meatballs or 16–20 store-bought meatballs cooked
  • Pasta for serving
  • Grated Pecorino Romano cheese for serving
  • Ricotta cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare and Sear the Pork

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove the pork and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

  1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Build the Sauce

  1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Add the canned tomatoes along with their juices, using a wooden spoon to break them apart. For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes with an immersion blender. Add one can of water to the pot, along with the bay leaves and parsley.

Combine the Ingredients

  1. Return the seared pork to the pot, then add the sausage and meatballs. Ensure the meats are submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the sauce to simmer for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent sticking.

Final Adjustments

  1. After 3 hours, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed. Remove the bay leaves and any bones from the pork.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Transfer the meats to a large platter using a slotted spoon. Toss cooked pasta with a small portion of the sauce and serve with the platter of meats. Offer the remaining sauce in a gravy boat or serving dish. Garnish with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and serve with ricotta on the side.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the sausage, meatballs, and any other processed ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for traditional pasta.
Bitty