There’s nothing like a rich, hearty Sunday Sauce simmering on the stovetop. This comforting Italian dish, served with tender meatballs and savory sausage, is the epitome of family meals. It’s often enjoyed on Sundays, but honestly, it’s perfect any day you want to bring warmth and love to the table. The sauce itself is rich with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, while the meatballs and sausages soak up all the delicious flavors. This meal is the definition of cozy and satisfying, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with family.
Why This Recipe Works
Layered Flavors: The sauce is simmered for hours to develop deep flavors. The addition of fresh basil, oregano, and garlic creates a truly authentic taste.
Tender Meatballs: The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs creates light, flavorful meatballs that pair beautifully with the sauce.
Versatile: This sauce works with any pasta you prefer, from spaghetti to rigatoni, and can even be served as a hearty meal on its own with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
4 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2-3 teaspoons dried)
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Meatballs:
2 eggs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
For the Sausage:
4 sweet Italian sausages (or spicy, if you prefer heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the oregano and basil. Stir to combine. If you’re using red wine, add it now to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Season the Sauce: Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for at least 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Then, add the ground beef and use your hands to mix everything together until the meat is evenly seasoned.
Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Be sure to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs and Sausage
Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Brown the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the Italian sausages and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once they are browned, remove from the skillet and cut them into 2-3 pieces, or you can leave them whole depending on your preference.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Simmer the Meatballs and Sausage in the Sauce: Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, add the browned meatballs and sausage to the pot. Stir gently to coat the meat in the sauce. Allow the meatballs and sausage to simmer in the sauce for about 30-40 minutes. This will allow them to cook through and absorb all the flavors from the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Prepare the Pasta: While the meatballs and sausage are simmering, cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions. Spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne are perfect choices for this dish. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Serve: Once the sauce and meatballs are done, serve the sauce over the pasta, and top with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Sunday Sauce
Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! If you have the time, make it a day ahead and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Reheat it slowly on the stove, and the flavors will continue to meld.
Cook Low and Slow: If you have a slow cooker, you can let the sauce simmer on low for up to 4 hours for maximum flavor development.
Use Homemade Meatballs: While store-bought meatballs are convenient, homemade meatballs make all the difference in the taste and texture of the dish. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
Sausage Variations: If you like it spicy, use hot Italian sausage. For a milder flavor, you can opt for sweet Italian sausage or even chicken sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. A side of garlic bread is also a great addition.
Salad: A simple green salad with Italian dressing pairs wonderfully with this rich dish.
Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meatballs and sausage and replace them with extra vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a veggie-packed version of this Sunday Sauce.
Meatball Only Option: If you prefer, you can just make meatballs and serve them with the sauce. You can even freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for a quick meal on busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Sunday Sauce
This Sunday Sauce with Meatballs and Sausage is an Italian-American classic that never fails to satisfy. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together around the table, full of warmth and delicious comfort. The sauce is rich, the meatballs are tender, and the sausage adds a savory depth that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for a Sunday feast or any time you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.
Enjoy the flavors of Italy, and let this dish become a staple in your home, just like it is in many Italian kitchens!