Authentic Italian Gravy

This rich and authentic Italian gravy honestly tastes incredible. The slow-cooked sauce turns out so rich and full of flavor that every bite feels like comfort on a plate. The mix of tomatoes, meat, and herbs creates this deep, hearty taste that sticks with you. The long simmering time lets everything blend perfectly, so the sauce gets thick, glossy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Pour it over pasta, serve it with meat, or even dip bread straight into it — it’s that good.

This is one of those recipes that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want something warm and homemade. You can make it ahead, store it easily, and reheat it later without losing any of that flavor. A big pot of this gravy makes enough for everyone, and there’s always something cozy about having leftovers the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The best thing about this Italian gravy is how deep and layered the flavors get without making the process complicated. The mix of meats gives the sauce richness, while the tomatoes bring natural sweetness and tang. Fresh herbs add brightness, and the slow simmer ties everything together.

It’s also flexible. You can use short ribs, sausage, or just meatballs, or mix them all in for extra flavor. Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer a smoother sauce? Blend part of it before adding the meat back. You can make it your own without losing that authentic taste.

Make a big batch because you’ll want leftovers. This gravy goes well with spaghetti, penne, ravioli, or gnocchi, but it’s just as good spooned over polenta or used in lasagna. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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Ingredients

For the Gravy

• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  
• 2 cups tomato sauce
  
• 2 cups tomato paste
  
• 2 cups beef short ribs
  
• 2 cups Italian sausage
  
• 2 cups meatballs
  
• 2 cups chopped onions
  
• 2 cups minced garlic
  
• 2 cups olive oil
  
• 2 cups red wine
  
• 2 cups fresh basil
  
• 2 cups dried oregano
  
• 2 cups salt
  
• 2 cups black pepper
  
• 2 cups sugar
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the short ribs, sausage, and meatballs. Cook until they’re browned on all sides, then take them out and set aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook until soft and golden, scraping up any browned bits from the meat for extra flavor.

3. Build the Base

Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and combined. Pour in red wine and mix well.

4. Add Seasoning and Meat

Toss in basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Return the browned meats to the pot and stir gently to coat them in the sauce.

5. Simmer Low and Slow

Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen as it cooks.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is rich and the meat is tender, remove from heat. Spoon it generously over fresh pasta, sprinkle on some Parmesan, and enjoy.

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Authentic Italian Gravy

Slow-simmered Italian gravy made with rich tomato sauce, tender meats, fresh herbs, and bold flavors.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

For the Gravy

• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups tomato paste
• 2 cups beef short ribs
• 2 cups Italian sausage
• 2 cups meatballs
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 2 cups minced garlic
• 2 cups olive oil
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 2 cups dried oregano
• 2 cups salt
• 2 cups black pepper
• 2 cups sugar

Instructions

 

• Brown the meats, then set aside.
• Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot.
• Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and sauce, then stir in red wine.
• Season with herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar, then return the meat to the pot.
• Simmer on low for 3 to 4 hours until thick and flavorful.
• Serve hot over pasta or use in lasagna.

Keyword authentic Italian gravy, homemade pasta sauce, Italian meat sauce, slow-cooked tomato sauce, Sunday gravy recipe

Tips & Variations

• Swap red wine for broth if you prefer a milder flavor.
  
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
  
• Use only meatballs or sausage if you want to simplify the meat mix.
  
• Blend part of the sauce if you like a smoother texture.
  
• Double the recipe and freeze half for later — it reheats beautifully.
  

Serving Suggestions

This gravy pairs perfectly with spaghetti, rigatoni, or gnocchi. It’s also amazing with polenta, stuffed shells, or layered into lasagna. Add a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Italian Gravy is one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table happy. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with slow-cooked flavor. It’s simple enough for weeknight leftovers but special enough for Sunday dinners. Once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it.