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Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe

Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

This Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce slow-cooked with Italian herbs and your choice of meat, perfect for a comforting family meal. Its deep, robust flavors develop over hours of simmering, making it a traditional favorite served with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

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. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
  2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s fragrant aroma without burning it.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the choice of meat to the pot and brown it thoroughly on all sides. This process develops deeper flavor. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Return the browned meat to the pot, add the bay leaf, then cover and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. For even richer flavors, extend simmering up to 4 hours, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
  6. Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaf, then serve hot with your favorite pasta, polenta, or bread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
  • This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months, making it convenient for meal prepping.
  • Use quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best taste, such as San Marzano tomatoes.
  • Simmering the sauce longer enhances the depth of flavor, so patience rewards the palate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Sunday Sauce, Italian Sauce Recipe, Slow Cooked Tomato Sauce, Italian Meat Sauce, Authentic Italian Sauce

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/authentic-italian-sunday-sauce-recipe/