Jersey Sunday Dinner Gravy
Turn your Sunday dinner into a feast with this hearty and authentic Jersey Sunday Dinner Gravy. Simmered to perfection, this rich tomato-based sauce is infused with the deep flavors of browned Italian sausage, tender pork ribs, and juicy homemade meatballs, creating a symphony of savory delights. Made with premium San Marzano tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a touch of fresh parsley, this slow-cooked masterpiece develops layers of complexity over three indulgent hours. The addition of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and milk in the meatballs brings unmatched tenderness, while a hint of sugar and fragrant dried herbs balance the sauce beautifully. Ideal for serving over pasta, this classic Italian-American recipe promises to become the star of your family’s Sunday tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 56 ounces canned whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 medium Italian sausage links
- 4 medium pork ribs
- 16 ounces ground beef
- 0.5 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste to the pot and sauté briefly, stirring it into the onions and garlic to deepen its flavor.
Crush the canned San Marzano tomatoes by hand or in a blender, then pour them into the pot. Add 2 cups of water to the sauce, stirring to combine.
Season the tomato base with oregano, basil, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk, egg, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage links and pork ribs over medium-high heat until they develop a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides. This will lock in their flavor and ensure they hold their shape in the sauce. Remove and set aside.
Add the browned sausages, ribs, and meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Ensure the meats are submerged in the sauce.
Cover the pot partially with a lid and simmer the gravy on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the remaining parsley just before serving.
Serve the Jersey Sunday Dinner Gravy over your favorite pasta, with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
619 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.9 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 151 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 645 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.8 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 34.3 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 118 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 857 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
