Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce is a rich and comforting tomato-based sauce simmered with your choice of meat. Perfect for a family gathering, it fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 pounds of meat (Italian sausage, chicken thighs, or beef)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Brown the meat in the same pot, then remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Return the meat to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer up to 4 hours.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Step 7: Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta, polenta, or bread, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier sauce, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of crushed chili.
• Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter, less acidic sauce.
• Mix different meats like sausage and beef for a richer flavor.
• Simmering longer allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender before adding the meat back in.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without meat?

Yes, you can omit the meat for a vegetarian version. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, then simmer the sauce as directed.

What pasta pairs best with Sunday sauce?

Hearty pasta shapes like rigatoni, pappardelle, or fettuccine complement this sauce well, as they hold the thick sauce and meat bits nicely.

Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 126 reviews

This Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe is a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with herbs and tender meats, perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant garlic and onions, Italian sausage or your choice of meat, and a blend of classic Italian seasonings, this sauce is simmered to perfection in a large pot or Dutch oven, delivering deep, robust flavors. Ideal served over fresh pasta, polenta, or crusty bread and garnished with fresh parsley for a traditional Italian dining experience.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Meat

• 1–2 pounds of meat (Italian sausage, chicken thighs, or beef)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
3. Brown the Meat: Add your choice of meat (Italian sausage, chicken thighs, or beef) to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides thoroughly in the same pot, then remove it and set aside to prevent overcooking during the initial stage of the sauce.
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Into the pot, add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer Sauce with Meat: Return the browned meat to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. For more flavor depth, you can simmer it up to 4 hours, adding water if necessary to maintain consistency.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the sauce with fresh parsley and serve hot over your favorite pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor.
• Simmering the sauce for longer develops a richer taste.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired heat level or omit if preferred.
• Chicken thighs offer a leaner meat alternative to Italian sausage or beef.
• Supports make-ahead meal prep: refrigerate and reheat to deepen flavors.

Keywords: Italian Sunday Sauce, Italian tomato sauce, Sunday gravy, slow simmered sauce, Italian sausage sauce, homemade marinara, traditional Italian sauce