Introduction
There’s something magical about the aroma of a simmering pot of Sunday sauce with sausage and meatballs. This classic Italian dish has been passed down through generations, bringing families together around the dinner table. The combination of savory meatballs, flavorful sausage, and rich tomato sauce creates a meal that is both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Sunday sauce recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours. Secondly, the flavors in this recipe are unbeatable. The combination of the seasoned meatballs and sausage, along with the tangy tomato sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it over pasta, as a sandwich filling, or even spoon it over creamy polenta for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Sunday sauce with sausage and meatballs:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
6. Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are submerged. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. After 2 hours, add the Italian sausage to the pot. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional hour, until the meatballs and sausage are cooked through and tender.
8. Serve the Sunday sauce with sausage and meatballs over cooked pasta or as desired.
Expert Tips for Success
– For extra flavor, brown the meatballs and sausage in a separate pan before adding them to the sauce.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
– Don’t skip the sugar! It helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations and Substitutions
– If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
– Feel free to add other ingredients to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, to customize it to your liking.
– If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sunday sauce with sausage and meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Top it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread to complete the meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs and sausage?
A: While homemade meatballs and sausage add a lot of flavor to the sauce, you can use pre-made ones if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose good-quality meatballs and sausage.
Final Thoughts
Sunday sauce with sausage and meatballs is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings families together. The process of simmering the sauce for hours fills the kitchen with warmth and sets the stage for a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this classic Italian dish is sure to delight. So gather your loved ones, grab a fork, and savor every bite of this comforting and delicious meal.
Sunday Sauce with Sausage and Meatballs
A classic Italian dish that brings families together around the dinner table. This recipe features savory meatballs, flavorful sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, 2 cloves of minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well.
- Place meatballs in the sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 2 hours, add Italian sausage to the pot. Simmer for an additional hour until the meatballs and sausage are cooked through.
- Serve the Sunday sauce with sausage and meatballs over cooked pasta or as desired.
Nutrition Facts
