Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe

If you re anything like me, you know that the secret to a truly memorable Italian meal starts with the sauce – rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. This Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe is exactly that kind of sauce, slow-simmered to perfection with layers of tender beef, fragrant herbs, and a blend of tomato goodness. It s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma and makes you eager to gather everyone around the table.

I absolutely love how this gravy turns out thick and meaty without being overpowering, making it a perfect match for your favorite pasta. Whether you re cooking for a Sunday family dinner or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe brings those classic Italian-American vibes into your home kitchen effortlessly. Trust me, once you try this Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe, you ll be hooked on making it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of this Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe lies in a balance of quality meats, aromatic aromatics, and a blend of canned tomatoes that build deep, familiar flavors. Keep an eye out for fresh herbs and good quality beef broth-it really makes a difference.

• Red wine: Adds acidity and richness; pick a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one for that fruity flavor to gently cook your aromatics.
• Beef short ribs: These add incredible meaty flavor and tender texture after roasting.
• Large onion: A sweet onion like Vidalia works beautifully here.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature aroma.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Whole peeled tomatoes: Use canned quality tomatoes for a robust base.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a rich thickness.
• Tomato sauce: Helps with the consistency and smoothness of the sauce.
• Beef broth: Adds savory depth and moisture as the sauce simmers.
• Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring an earthy touch.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Stirred in at the end for freshness and color.
• Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, meaty punch when cooked and mixed into the sauce.

Variations

I like to keep this sauce classic, but sometimes I switch things up to suit what s in my fridge or my mood. Don t be afraid to personalize this Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe to match your taste buds!

• Meat variations: I’ve swapped beef short ribs for pork ribs or even added meatballs for extra heartiness.
• Heat it up: Adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage kicks up the flavor for those who love it spicy.
• Herb variations: Fresh rosemary or thyme can add a lovely aromatic twist if you want to experiment.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the meats and add mushrooms and extra herbs for a satisfying vegetarian gravy.

How to Make Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Beef and Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a roasting pan, pour 1 cup of red wine and ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil. Add the beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, tossing everything so it s well coated in the liquid and oil. Roast uncovered for an hour and a half – this slow roasting caramelizes the meat and onions, developing that mouthwatering depth in your gravy.

Step 2: Transfer and Simmer the Base

Once roasted, transfer the whole mixture into a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Pour in the remaining ¼ cup red wine and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets the flavors marry and the wine reduce, concentrating that gorgeous taste.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs

Next, stir in the whole peeled tomatoes (breaking them up with your spoon), tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and fresh parsley. Give everything a good stir and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 4 to 6 hours. Patience here is key – slow simmering thickens the sauce, melding flavors into a rich and luxurious gravy. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 4: Remove Ribs and Add Sausage

Once the sauce has thickened and flavored nicely, remove the beef ribs from the pot. Stir in the cooked, drained Italian sausage and continue simmering the gravy for another hour. This final simmer allows the sausage flavor to blend perfectly into the sauce, adding savory complexity.

Step 5: Serve with Fresh Pasta

Serve this delicious gravy hot over a pound of freshly cooked pasta – spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle all work beautifully. Make sure to ladle plenty of sauce and meat for the best experience. I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.

How to Serve Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley and freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil adds that lovely shine and silkiness. These simple touches brighten the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve crusty Italian bread to soak up every bit of this gravy, along with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to add some freshness to the meal. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli rabe also pair wonderfully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this gravy in individual rustic bowls placed over nests of fresh pasta, topped with a sprig of parsley and a Parmesan crisp. It makes the meal feel cozy yet elegant, perfect for family gatherings or dinner with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This gravy keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

I ve frozen this gravy a few times without any loss in texture or flavor. Just cool entirely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great time saver for future meals.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and you ll have that freshly made taste again in minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe is truly a labor of love, but it s worth every step if you want those deep, comforting flavors that remind you of family dinners and Sunday traditions. I hope you find joy in making it as much as my family does eating it. You really can t go wrong with this sauce-it s a warm, delicious hug in a bowl that ll quickly become a classic in your own kitchen.

Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 258 reviews

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 7 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Roasting and Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

A rich and hearty Authentic Italian Gravy featuring slow-roasted beef short ribs, savory Italian sausage, and a robust blend of tomatoes and herbs simmered to perfection. This deeply flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with pasta for a classic Italian meal.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Wine

• 1 cup red wine plus 1/4 cup
• 4 beef short ribs
• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and drained

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Oils and Liquids

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth

Tomato Ingredients

• 2 28–ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 6–ounce can tomato paste
• 1 28–ounce can tomato sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Roasting Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large roasting pan, combine 1 cup of red wine, extra virgin olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
2. Roast the Beef Short Ribs: Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow roasting will infuse deep flavors into the meat and aromatics.
3. Transfer to Stockpot and Simmer: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Transfer all contents, including the beef ribs and aromatics, into a 6-quart stockpot set over medium-low heat. Add the remaining ¼ cup of red wine and simmer gently for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Add Tomato and Herbs: Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly, then let the sauce simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 4 to 6 hours or until the sauce reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Finish the Sauce: Remove the beef ribs from the sauce and discard the bones. Stir in the cooked and drained Italian sausage. Continue simmering the sauce for an additional 1 hour, allowing all flavors to combine beautifully.
6. Serve: Serve the luscious Italian gravy hot over 1 pound of cooked pasta of your choice for a classic Italian entrée.

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Notes

• Simmering the sauce for several hours enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness of the meat.
• If preferred, you can substitute the beef short ribs with other beef cuts suitable for slow roasting.
• The sauce can be made a day ahead; flavors improve when reheated.
• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
• Drain excess fat from cooked sausage for a leaner sauce.