If you’ve ever wanted to capture the heart and soul of Italian cooking in a single pot, this Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe is exactly what you’re looking for. Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, this sauce combines tender chunks of beef chuck, savory Italian sausage, and flavorful meatballs simmered slowly in a robust tomato base infused with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs. It’s the kind of sauce that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings family and friends together around the table, making every Sunday feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While this Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe has a beautifully complex flavor, the ingredients are wonderfully simple and easy to find. Each one plays a vital role; from the robust beef chuck that adds depth, to the bright aroma of Italian parsley that keeps things fresh, every component works harmoniously to create a sauce that’s both hearty and balanced.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a good quality oil to sauté the meat and vegetables, adding richness and a hint of fruitiness.
- Boneless beef chuck roast: This cut melts beautifully over hours of slow cooking, delivering tender, flavorful meat to the sauce.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Yellow or sweet onion: Finely diced, it adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced for a robust, aromatic kick, fundamental in classic Italian cooking.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s color and richness.
- Whole peeled or crushed tomatoes (canned): The foundation of your sauce, their natural sweetness and acidity create that signature tomatoey base.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with an earthy, herbal undertone during the long simmer.
- Minced Italian parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- Sugar (optional): A pinch to balance any tomato acidity if needed.
- Italian sausage (hot, sweet, or mixed): Adds spice, sweetness, or a mix of both, enriching the sauce’s overall flavor.
- Homemade or store-bought meatballs: Either lends a personal touch or convenience, soaking up all those savory juices beautifully.
- Pasta: To serve your sauce over – think classic spaghetti, rigatoni, or your favorite shape.
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese: Will bring a salty, nutty kick as a finishing touch.
- Ricotta cheese: Optional but highly recommended for creaminess and contrast.
How to Make Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef Chuck
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Season the beef chuck generously with kosher salt and black pepper, then sear it on all sides until it develops a beautiful brown crust. This step locks in flavor and creates rich fond at the bottom of the pot, which will deepen the sauce. Once browned, set the meat aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add your diced onions to the pot, cooking them gently until softened and slightly translucent—about five minutes. This sweetness is the comforting base that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Then stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them infuse their fragrance for a couple of minutes without burning.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Add tomato paste to coat the aromatics, cooking it for one to two minutes. This caramelizes the paste, which intensifies its sweetness and umami notes. Next, pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juices, and don’t forget to add a can of water to loosen things up. If you’re using whole peeled tomatoes, gently crush them to release their texture. Toss in the bay leaves and sprinkle in the minced Italian parsley, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Simmer with the Meats
Return your seared beef chuck to the pot and add the Italian sausage and pre-cooked meatballs. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat for a long, slow simmer. This is the heart of the Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe—three hours of gentle bubbling where flavors marry and proteins become meltingly tender. Be sure to stir every 20 minutes to prevent sticking and to encourage even cooking.
Step 5: Adjust and Finish
Once the sauce has thickened beautifully and the meats are fork-tender, taste and adjust the seasoning. If the tomatoes feel overly acidic, a pinch of sugar can round out the flavor. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
How to Serve Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To truly honor the Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe, sprinkle freshly grated Pecorino Romano over your pasta and sauce. The bright salty tang contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. A dollop of creamy ricotta cheese adds a luscious, cool creaminess that feels like a warm embrace with every bite. For a final flourish, a few fresh parsley leaves can brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve this saucy masterpiece alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must-have to mop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, like broccoli rabe or green beans with garlic, make for a balanced, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Use the Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe as a base for a comforting baked pasta casserole with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and peppers. Or, try serving it over creamy polenta or alongside cheesy garlic mashed potatoes for a rustic twist. This sauce is versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for your creative culinary whims.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days. The meats will stay juicy and tender, and the sauce will maintain its rich consistency.
Freezing
Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for up to three months. This makes a fantastic ready-made meal on busy nights. When freezing, cool the sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Don’t forget to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of water if the sauce feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave in covered containers in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly. Finish with fresh grated cheese just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this sauce?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can swap in beef brisket or even pork shoulder. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure the meat becomes tender.
Is it necessary to include all three types of meat?
Not at all. The beauty of this Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe is its flexibility. You can use just sausage and meatballs, or only the beef—just expect some differences in flavor complexity and texture.
How spicy is the sauce with red pepper flakes?
Only a mild heat is suggested here. You can always adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level, or omit them completely if you like a milder sauce.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meats first on the stovetop as directed, then assemble everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach that yields delicious results.
What type of pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Traditional shapes like spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well. Choose your favorite and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about a homemade Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe simmering gently on the stove, filling your home with warmth and the promise of a delicious meal. Whether it’s a beloved family tradition or your first time making it, this sauce will quickly become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, take your time with each step, and savor every delicious moment. Your Sunday dinners will never be the same again.
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Italian Sunday Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Sunday Sauce is a rich, hearty, and flavorful tomato-based sauce simmered slowly with tender beef chuck roast, Italian sausage, and meatballs. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this sauce is aromatically enhanced with garlic, onions, herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Traditionally served over pasta and topped with Pecorino Romano and ricotta cheese, it’s a classic recipe that brings a taste of Italy to your table.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 small yellow or sweet onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon minced Italian parsley
- A pinch of sugar (optional)
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage (hot, sweet, or a mix)
- 1 batch homemade Italian meatballs or 16-20 store-bought meatballs (pre-cooked)
Serving Ingredients
- Pasta (for serving)
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for serving)
- Ricotta cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Season beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
- Cook Onions: Lower the heat to medium, add the finely diced onions to the pot, and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen its flavor and remove any raw taste.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the canned whole peeled or crushed tomatoes, adding their juices as well. Add the bay leaves, minced Italian parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add one can of water to adjust consistency. If using whole tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a spoon in the pot to break them down.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the seared beef, Italian sausage, and meatballs into the pot. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the sauce cook gently for about 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent sticking and help meld the flavors.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of sugar if desired to balance acidity. Serve the sauce hot over cooked pasta, topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and dollops of ricotta cheese for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Using a good quality chuck roast is key for tender, flavorful meat in the sauce.
- Simmering the sauce low and slow allows the flavors to develop beautifully—do not rush this step.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of simmering to reduce liquid.
- The pinch of sugar is optional and helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Leftover sauce tastes even better the next day and freezes well for future meals.
- Serve with your favorite pasta shapes such as rigatoni, spaghetti, or penne.
