Sunday gravy, a beloved staple in Italian-American households, is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. Often simmering for hours, this hearty tomato-based sauce is enriched with a variety of meats like beef and pork. The slow cooking process melds the flavors together, creating a depth and richness that’s unmatched. Served over pasta, this dish is a perfect centerpiece for a family gathering, embodying the warmth and comfort of a Sunday spent at home. Whether you’re a seasoned gravy master or trying it for the first time, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, soulful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 lbs ground chuck (beef)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cans (28 oz each) of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes (DOP)
- 2 tubes (4.9 oz each) of tomato paste (DOP)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Brown the Meats: In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and ground chuck. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Remove the meats, strain in colander, and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions and carrots until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Paste: Add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the tomato paste until well combined. I use DOP Italian Tomatoes and Tomatoe Paste for a true authentic Italian flavor.
- Return Meats to Pot: Add the browned meats back into the pot. Stir to combine everything.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, breaking up the tomatoes more as the sauce cooks. Cook until whole tomatoes have broken down to sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add in Italian seasoning.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you like, you can add fresh basil in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Sunday gravy over cooked pasta of your choice: My homemade pasta recipe. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
- Store or Freeze: Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
In summary, the Sunday gravy recipe encapsulates a rich culinary tradition, offering a hearty and flavorful dish that is much more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family, culture, and the simple pleasures of good food. The slow-cooked blend of tomatoes, meats, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that can only be achieved with patience and care. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, where its comforting aroma and taste can bring people together, creating lasting memories. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, Sunday gravy is a testament to the power of cooking to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Enjoy the process, share with loved ones, and savor every bite of this beloved dish. You will love it!
-S&E