Sunday sauce is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Italian-American culture. This rich marinara sauce, brimming with perfectly cooked meatballs and flavorful sausage, captures the essence of family, love, and slow cooking. Whether you’re recreating memories or starting new traditions, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.
What is Sunday Sauce?
Sunday sauce, sometimes referred to as “gravy,” is a classic Italian-American recipe made with crushed tomatoes, meatballs, and sausage. It’s slow-cooked for hours to develop deep, complex flavors. The dish often becomes the centerpiece of a family gathering, paired with pasta, crusty bread, and plenty of good conversation.
For another take on hearty and comforting meals, check out The Ultimate Guide to Sausage Balls, which also combines savory sausage flavors in a unique way.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Sunday Sauce
The beauty of Sunday sauce lies in its straightforward ingredients and methodical preparation. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
The Sauce:
- Crushed tomatoes (choose high-quality brands)
- Olive oil
- Onions and garlic for aromatics
- Dried oregano and fresh basil for seasoning
- Optional: a splash of red wine for added depth
The Meatballs:
- Ground beef
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs and eggs for binding
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper
The Sausage:
- Italian sausage (mild, hot, or sweet, depending on preference)
For those who enjoy exploring seafood-inspired pasta dishes, try this recipe for Baked Ziti with Shrimp for a unique twist on traditional pasta meals.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Create the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Sauté diced onions until softened, then add garlic for an aromatic base.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar.
2. Prepare the Meatballs
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into uniform balls (1.5 inches in diameter).
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes to ensure even cooking.
3. Add the Sausage
- Arrange sausage links on the same baking sheet as the meatballs.
- Once cooked, cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
4. Simmer Everything Together
- Transfer the meatballs and sausage into the pot of sauce.
- Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tips for a Successful Sunday Sauce
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to cook on low heat for hours to develop the best flavors.
- Avoid Splatter: Keep the lid slightly ajar to thicken the sauce and minimize mess.
- Stir Regularly: Ensure the sauce doesn’t burn at the bottom of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sunday sauce with:
- Spaghetti, rigatoni, or other hearty pasta varieties.
- Crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
- A fresh salad for balance and a hint of acidity.
For a delightful breakfast pairing, try the Ultimate Guide to Perfect French Toast. Its sweet and savory versatility can complement the richness of Sunday sauce leftovers served over eggs or toasted bread.
FAQs About Sunday Sauce
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Replace breadcrumbs in the meatballs with gluten-free alternatives and serve the sauce over gluten-free pasta.
2. What’s the best pasta for Sunday sauce?
Hearty shapes like rigatoni or penne work well to hold the thick sauce, but spaghetti is always a classic.
3. How long should I simmer the sauce?
For the best flavor, simmer for at least 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
Making Sunday sauce with meatballs and sausage is more than cooking; it’s an act of love that brings people together. This timeless recipe encapsulates the heart of Italian-American cuisine and serves as a reminder that the best meals take time. Whether it’s your first attempt or part of a long-standing family tradition, Sunday sauce is a dish that never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction.
Sunday Sauce with Meatballs and Sausage: A Timeless Italian-American Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 4 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- Optional: ½ cup red wine
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sausage:
- 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild, hot, or sweet)
Instructions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until golden and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and fresh basil. Optional: pour in red wine for extra depth.
- Bring to a simmer, cover partially (leave the lid slightly ajar), and let cook while preparing the meatballs and sausage.
2. Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
3. Bake the Meatballs and Sausage
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange meatballs and sausage links on the same baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Slice the sausage links into halves or thirds for easier serving.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Carefully transfer the baked meatballs and sausage into the pot of sauce.
- Stir gently to coat the meat with the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
5. Serve
- Serve over your choice of pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne work well).
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil.
- Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this traditional Sunday dish!