Sunday Sauce (Colorado)

Sunday Sauce, also known as “sugo” or “gravy,” is a cherished tradition in many households, especially in Italian-American culture. This rich, hearty sauce is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner with family and friends. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, cooking instructions, and some helpful tips to create a mouth-watering Sunday Sauce that serves five.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 4 (28-ounce) cans of plum tomatoes (hand-crushed or blended)
• 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Grocery List

• Plum tomatoes (4 cans)
• Tomato paste (1 can)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar
• Ground beef (1 lb)
• Ground pork (1 lb)
• Plain breadcrumbs
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Flat-leaf Italian parsley
• Eggs
• Garlic

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large heavy pot, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and pork. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Add breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced parsley, minced garlic, and beaten eggs. Mix gently until combined; avoid over-mixing.
3. With wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 2 inches in diameter.
4. You can either bake the meatballs at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or add them directly to the sauce to cook for at least an hour.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Once meatballs are browned or cooked in sauce, let them simmer in the sauce for an additional hour to absorb flavors.
2. Serve with your choice of pasta and garnish with extra grated cheese and fresh parsley.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 3 hours and 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
  • Sauce: ~200 kcal
  • Meatballs: ~400 kcal
  • Note: Caloric values may vary based on specific ingredient brands used.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Stir the sauce every 15–30 minutes during cooking to prevent sticking.
• Let meatballs sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

Creating a delicious Sunday Sauce is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing a tradition that brings families together over hearty meals filled with love and flavor. Join our kitchen companion membership for more mouth-watering recipes like this one! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a delightful Sunday Sauce that will surely impress your family and friends during your next gathering!