Authentic Italian Gravy Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted your kitchen to smell like a cozy Sunday in Nonna’s house, this Authentic Italian Gravy recipe will sweep you right there. This is the ultimate, slow-simmered tomato and meat sauce that’s layered with richness, bold flavors, and pure comfort—perfect for your next family dinner or to impress pasta-loving friends!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Authentic Italian Gravy is that it starts with humble, wholesome ingredients that deliver knockout flavor. Each element plays a pivotal role—think sweetness from tomatoes, deep savory notes from meats, and a harmony of herbs for Old World magic.

• Red wine: Use a full-bodied dry red—this brings acidity, depth, and a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Only the good stuff—this helps brown the meat and sauté the aromatics for a rich mouthfeel.
• Beef short ribs: Marbled and meaty, they infuse the gravy with unmatched flavor and silkiness as they slowly braise.
• Large onion (chopped): Provides essential sweetness and body after caramelizing in the pan.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Six cloves for bold, aromatic undertones that linger beautifully.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Key for seasoning every layer—don’t skip or skimp!
• Whole peeled tomatoes (canned): The backbone of the sauce; San Marzano preferred for their natural sweetness and low acidity.
• Tomato paste: Brings concentrated tomato flavor for lushness and thickness.
• Tomato sauce: Adds even more tomato depth and ensures the gravy is smooth and pourable.
• Beef broth: Intensifies the meaty flavor—homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work.
• Dried basil and oregano: These dried herbs deliver earthy, classic Italian flavors.
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley: Brings freshness and a hint of peppery flavor at the finish.
• Italian sausage (cooked and drained): Juicy, spiced sausage gives textural variety and heartiness.

Variations

One of the most delightful things about Authentic Italian Gravy is how easy it is to tweak for your table—whether you need a vegetarian twist or want to adjust the flavor profile. This recipe is all about making it yours!

• Wine-Free Gravy: Substitute the red wine for extra beef or vegetable broth—still rich and savory, just alcohol-free.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use just the tomato base, replacing beef broth with a flavorful veggie broth for a lighter (but just as bold!) sauce.
• Swap the Proteins: Try meatballs or pork neck bones instead of short ribs and sausage for a different traditional spin.
• Smoother Sauce: Puree the tomatoes after simmering for a velvety smooth texture—perfect if you like your gravy less chunky.

How to Make Authentic Italian Gravy

Step 1: Roast the Meats and Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large roasting pan, combine 1 cup red wine, olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a hearty stir to coat, then roast uncovered for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This step caramelizes the meat and veggies, layering the foundation for that unforgettable Authentic Italian Gravy flavor.

Step 2: Simmer the Roasted Base

Once your kitchen smells absolutely amazing, transfer everything from your roasting pan into a 6-quart stockpot and set it over medium-low heat. Pour in the remaining ¼ cup red wine and simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This lets all those pan juices meld together and releases even more aroma into your sauce.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs

Stir in the peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and then let it cook uncovered for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. This long simmer draws out every bit of flavor, thickening the sauce to rich perfection—the true heart of Authentic Italian Gravy.

Step 4: Remove Meat and Add Sausage

Carefully lift out the short ribs (they’ve given their all to the sauce), then stir in your pre-cooked and drained Italian sausage. Let the gravy continue slowly bubbling for at least 1 more hour. This infuses the sauce with savory, meaty notes and makes it irresistibly hearty.

Step 5: Serve with Pasta

When the gravy is thick, glossy, and deeply red, it’s time to serve! Ladle this Authentic Italian Gravy generously over a pound of your favorite cooked pasta, making sure every noodle gets luxurious coating—and enjoy the applause at your table.

How to Serve Authentic Italian Gravy

Garnishes

Finish your Authentic Italian Gravy with a generous flurry of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and (if you’re feeling extra) a drizzle of the best olive oil you have. A twist of cracked pepper or a pinch of chili flakes adds even more flair.

Side Dishes

This hearty gravy sits perfectly atop a swirl of spaghetti or rigatoni, but don’t stop there! Serve alongside a peppery arugula salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or a basket of warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up every drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Authentic Italian Gravy family-style in a big Italian earthenware bowl at the center of your table, or pile it atop cheesy baked polenta for a rustic twist. For a festive spread, spoon it over mini pasta nests or layer into lasagna for an old-school Italian Sunday supper vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Authentic Italian Gravy cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen and some might say it’s even tastier on days two or three!

Freezing

Freeze cooled gravy in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to four months. Lay bags flat for quick thawing, and label with the date so your next pasta night is always within reach.

Reheating

Warm up leftover Authentic Italian Gravy gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick after chilling, just add a splash of water or broth until it returns to its luscious, saucy self.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the heart and soul of Italian cooking, you truly can’t go wrong with this Authentic Italian Gravy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll treasure, whether you cook for loved ones or savor every spoonful yourself. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your ingredients, let the sauce bubble away, and create a memory as delicious as the meal itself.

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