Sunday Gravy = A Delicious Meal

There’s something special to us at Supper about gathering around the table on a Sunday afternoon, sharing stories, laughter, watching the New York Jets (yes we are Jets fans) or golf, and a meal that brings our family together. For many families, that magic comes from a traditional dish known as Sunday Gravy. This hearty, slow-cooked red tomato sauce, served over pasta with meatballs and sausage, has been a beloved staple for generations. It’s more than just food, it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and togetherness.

If you want to bring that same joy and flavor into your home, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making a classic Sunday Gravy that serves 4 to 8 people. Plus, it pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Traditional Sunday Gravy simmering on the stove

What Makes Sunday Gravy So Special?

Sunday Gravy is not just a meal it’s one of our favorite recipes, that is simple and fun to create with the kids. For many families, it’s the centerpiece of Sunday dinners, a time when everyone slows down to enjoy each other’s company. The sauce simmers for hours, filling the house with the scent of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a sauce that’s rich, comforting, and full of love.

The tradition of Sunday Gravy goes beyond the food itself. It’s the opportunity to come together to spend quality time, share stories while stirring the sauce, getting your kids involved with help rolling meatballs, and sitting down together to enjoy a hearty meal before the next week begins. Over the years, Sunday dinner has always been important to us at Supper. Sunday Gravy is a meal that has provided wonderful memories and continues today.

We hope you love this recipe and add to your lineup of go-to meals for your family.

Ingredients for the Classic Sunday Gravy

Here’s what you’ll need to make the sauce and the accompanying meatballs and sausage:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

  
  

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 large egg

• Salt and pepper, to taste

  
  

For the Sausage:

• 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild or spicy, your choice)

  
  

To Serve:

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or your favorite)

• Italian bread, sliced and toasted

  
  

Step-by-Step to Make Sunday Gravy

1. Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.

• Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

• Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside.

  
  

2. Brown the Meatballs and Sausage

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides but not cooking through. Remove and set aside.

• In the same pot, add the sausage links and brown them as well. Remove and set aside.

  
  

3. Make the Sauce

• Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

• Add sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

• Return the meatballs and sausage to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.

  
  

4. Simmer Slowly

• Reduce heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours.

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld.

• The sauce will thicken, and the meat will become tender and flavorful.

  
  

5. Cook the Pasta

• About 15 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

  
  

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the pasta topped generously with Sunday Gravy, meatballs, and sausage.

• Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired.

• Don’t forget the Italian bread to mop up the delicious sauce!

  
  

Tips

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

• Don’t rush the simmering process; slow cooking is key to developing depth.

• If you want extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the sauce.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day, so make plenty to enjoy throughout the week.

• Pair the meal with a simple green salad for a balanced dinner.