Authentic Sunday Sauce Recipe: Easy Italian Red Sauce Day 2025

Name: Authentic Sunday Sauce Recipe: Easy Italian Red Sauce Day 2025
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 265 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Olive oil; 2 medium, chopped Yellow onions; 6 minced Garlic cloves; 6 ounces can Tomato paste; 2 28-ounce cans Crushed tomatoes; 1 28-ounce can Tomato puree; 1 cup Water (or vegetable broth); 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh basil (plus more for garnish); 1 teaspoon Dried oregano; 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (or to taste); 1 pound Pork ribs (optional, or Italian sausage/meatballs)

Celebrate 'Sauce Day' with this traditional Italian-American Sunday Sauce recipe. This hearty, slow-simmered red sauce is perfect for family gatherings and pasta night, made with rich tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savory meats. Learn how to create this delicious, comforting classic from scratch.

#Sunday Sauce

#Italian Red Sauce

#Pasta Sauce

#Homemade Sauce

#Comfort Food

#Slow Cooker Sauce

Sautéing Onions and Garlic

Recipe Information

25m

Prep Time

Cook Time

4h 25m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

Italian-American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

350

Calories

25g

Protein

30g

Carbs

15g

Fat

Rich Tomato Sauce Simmering

Ingredients

Servings: 8

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Sunday Sauce with Meat

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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7m
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Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
7m
Do not burn the garlic; it can become bitter.
2
If using meat, brown the pork ribs (or Italian sausage/meatballs) on all sides in the same pot. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
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10m
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If using meat, brown the pork ribs (or Italian sausage/meatballs) on all sides in the same pot. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
10m
Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
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3m
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Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
3m
Cooking tomato paste removes its raw taste and enhances richness.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and water (or broth). Add fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
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5m
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and water (or broth). Add fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
5m
Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3-4 hours, or up to 6 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
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4h
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Return the browned meat to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3-4 hours, or up to 6 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
4h
A slow simmer is key for developing deep flavors. Keep the lid slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape.

6
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove the meat (if used) and shred or cut into serving pieces. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, polenta, or use in other Italian dishes. Garnish with fresh basil.
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5m
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Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove the meat (if used) and shred or cut into serving pieces. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, polenta, or use in other Italian dishes. Garnish with fresh basil.
5m
The sauce freezes well for future meals. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.