Classic Sunday Sauce Recipe from Nonna's Kitchen

Penne Pasta with Sunday Sauce in a white bowl

Classic Sunday Sauce Recipe from Nonna's Kitchen

Sunday Sauce is more than just a meal, it's a tradition. This hearty Italian classic simmers slowly with tomatoes, meat, garlic and herbs to create a rich, savory sauce that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas.

Sunday sauce is perfect for both regular pasta dishes and baked pasta dishes like my Sicilian Mother's Baked Pasta called Lolli. A dish she made every Christmas that brough the family together for a heartwarming meal.

If you like baked pasta dishes, you'll like my Baked Rice in the Oven, Pasta al Forno, or my Easy Cheesy Baked Zitti.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 40

Course Main Entrées

Cuisine Italian

Servings

Calories 326 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic sliced and crushed
12 oz Italian Sausage cut into medium sized pieces
12 oz beef or veal stewing meat cut into small chunks
2 tbsp tomato paste
24 oz tomato passata or tomato puree
3 leaves fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet, on medium heat, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Season meat with salt and pepper and add meat to skillet. Sear on both sides. (meat does not need to be fully cooked).
3 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 12 oz Italian Sausage, 12 oz beef or veal stewing meat
Add tomato paste and mix well with meat. Add tomato passata and basil leaves. Season with salt if needed and add ground pepper.
2 tbsp tomato paste, 24 oz tomato passata, 3 leaves fresh basil, salt and pepper
Bring to boil and then simmer covered on low heat for about 60 to 90 minutes and the meat is fork tender. Traditionally Sunday sauce is cooked over low heat for 2 to 3 hours if you have the time.
Once cooked, set aside until you are ready to use sauce.

Notes

Top Tips

Brown the meat well before simmering for maximum flavor.

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 2 to 3 hours, if you have time.

Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning adjustments

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 326kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 24gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 928mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 677IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 3mg

Keyword comfort food, family meals, hearty

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