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–+ servings
Classic Italian Sunday Gravy

Classic Italian Sunday Gravy: Comforting Family Flavor Unleashed

This Classic Italian Sunday Gravy is a comforting family recipe that brings everyone together with rich flavors and hearty meatballs.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gravy
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with canola or vegetable oil if needed
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped yellow onion preferred
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, reduce if less garlic is preferred
  • 2 cans (15-ounce) Canned Tomatoes (Crushed) Fresh chopped tomatoes can be used for a chunkier sauce
  • 1 cup Red Wine Omit if desired or substitute with broth or balsamic vinegar
For the Meats
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Choose sweet or hot based on preference
  • 1 pound Meatballs Homemade preferred, pre-packaged can save time
For Serving
  • 1 pound Pasta Spaghetti works well, can choose any type

Equipment

  • Large heavy pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage links to the pot and brown them on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Remove them and set aside. Add your meatballs (about 1 pound) to the same pot and sear for 5–6 minutes until browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in two 15-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, along with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Return the browned sausages and meatballs to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your choice of pasta until al dente, around 8–10 minutes.
  7. Plate the cooked pasta and ladle generous portions of the Classic Italian Sunday Gravy over the top, garnishing with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow the sauce to simmer low and slow for the best flavor. Make ahead for deeper taste.

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