Sunday gravy is a famous Italian-American dish. It is rich, warm, and full of flavor. Mario Batali’s version makes a big pot of sauce with meats and pasta. This dish is made slow and steady, perfect for a Sunday meal with family.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Mario Batali Sunday Gravy Recipe
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It is full of deep, hearty flavor.
- You get tender meats cooked in sauce.
- The sauce coats pasta so well.
- It feels like comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cut into pieces
- 1 lb beef short ribs
- 1 lb pork ribs or pork shoulder chunks
- 4 meatballs (optional)
Sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cans (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
To Serve
- 1 lb pasta (rigatoni, ziti, or spaghetti)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Pasta pot and strainer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Brown sausage, beef, and pork. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Add onion. Cook until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Wine
Mix in tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine. Scrape the pot.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 5: Slow Simmer
Put meats back in. Partially cover. Cook for 3–4 hours on low. Stir sometimes.
Step 6: Serve
Take meats out and place on a platter. Toss pasta with sauce. Top with cheese and basil. Serve meats on the side.
Tips from Mario’s Style
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor.
- Cook meats low and slow to let them tenderize and enrich the sauce.
- The sauce tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition (per serving, with pasta & sauce)
- Calories: ~640
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 54g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
(Values are estimates)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread.
- Add a green salad on the side.
- Pair with red wine like Chianti.
- This dish tastes even better the next day.
Conclusion
Mario Batali’s Sunday Gravy is more than food. It is a family tradition. The sauce is rich, the meats are tender, and the pasta is full of flavor.
Make this recipe when you want comfort and joy at the table. It will bring everyone together.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
