Go Back
–+ servings
Authentic Italian Gravy

Authentic Italian Gravy: Slow-Cooked Love in Every Bite

Experience the rich flavors of Authentic Italian Gravy, a heartfelt sauce perfect for family gatherings and versatile enough for any dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Red wine Substitute with beef broth if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil No substitution required
  • 2 pounds Beef short ribs Omit for vegetarian versions
  • 1 large Onion Use any large onion variety
  • 4 cloves Garlic Adjust quantity according to your preference
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper Personalize the amount to your liking
  • 28 ounces Whole peeled tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be substituted if available
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Use less for a milder sauce
  • 15 ounces Tomato sauce Substitute with crushed tomatoes if needed
  • 1 cup Beef broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian variants
  • 1 tablespoon Dried basil Substitute with fresh basil if desired
  • 1 tablespoon Dried oregano Fresh oregano can be used instead
  • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh Italian parsley Replace with another fresh herb if desired
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Omit for vegetarian version or substitute with meatballs

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • large stockpot
  • Immersion Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic Italian Gravy
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and gather a large roasting pan.
  2. Combine red wine, extra virgin olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in the roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Transfer the contents into a large stockpot, add remaining red wine, and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.
  4. Add whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, and oregano, stirring to combine. Simmer uncovered for 4 to 6 hours.
  5. Remove beef short ribs, debone, and shred the meat. Stir it back into the sauce with cooked Italian sausage and simmer for an additional hour.
  6. Serve the Authentic Italian Gravy over freshly cooked pasta or use in lasagna or other dishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This sauce only gets better as it sits, so prepare ahead of time and freeze extras for later use.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!