italian sunday sauce recipe

4.6 from 1542 votes

A rich and hearty tomato sauce slow-cooked with meat and vegetables, perfect for Sunday dinners. This sauce is packed with flavor and can be used for pasta or as a base for other dishes.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time3 hours

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time3 hours 20 mins

Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meat

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 medium carrots, finely chopped

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1 large bell pepper, finely chopped

10 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup red wine

1 cup beef broth

Spices and Seasonings

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes.

2Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

3Drain excess fat.

4Add onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot.

5Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 10-12 minutes.

6Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

7Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

8Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine, and beef broth.

9Stir well to combine.

10Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes.

11Stir well to combine.

12Bring the sauce to a boil.

13Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

14If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.

15Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

16For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.

17The sauce is done when it has a rich, deep flavor and the vegetables are very tender.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a bay leaf to the sauce for extra flavor. Remove it before serving. For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe Works

This Italian Sunday sauce recipe is a staple in our household – it’s easy to make, freezes beautifully, and never fails to impress my family.

The key to making a great Italian Sunday sauce is in the slow cooking process – it’s essential to let the flavors meld together over time.

One of my favorite ways to serve this sauce is over ziti pasta – simply cook the pasta al dente, toss it with the warm sauce, and top with some grated Parmesan cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sunday Sauce

1. What is Italian Sunday sauce?

Italian Sunday sauce, also known as ragù alla napoletana, is a traditional Neapolitan sauce made with ground beef, pork, and tomatoes, simmered together with herbs and spices.

2. Can I make this recipe without ground meat?

Yes, you can make this recipe without ground meat – simply use more tomatoes and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

3. How long does this sauce take to make?

This sauce takes about 30 minutes to prepare and then simmers for 2-3 hours – you can also make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for faster results.

4. Can I store this sauce in the fridge?

Yes, you can store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ground meat and is not suitable for vegetarians – but you can easily substitute it with plant-based alternatives like mushrooms or eggplant.

italian sunday sauce recipe

The Best italian sunday sauce recipe