Sunday Gravy
This tomato sauce with meat is called gravy because the meat drippings become the base for the sauce. It is meant to feed the whole family! You may cook up to 3 pounds of pasta with this recipe and still have enough to freeze for a later date!
1 pound of sweet Italian sausages
2 pounds of meatballs
4-5 lean pork chops
1 pound lean spareribs
1 pound piece of beef or pork
1/2 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 medium carrots chopped
1 celery stick chopped
pinch of dried basil or 1/2 cup fresh basil
pinch of red pepper flakes
pinch of oregano
freshly chopped mint (optional)
1 6-ounce can of tomato paste
1 28-ounce can pealed and crushed tomatoes
1 28-ounce can of water
salt and pepper to taste
Fry the meats in 1/4 cup oil in a very large saucepan.
When they are browned, transfer them to a platter. Add the remaining oil to the meat juices in the pan. When the oil is hot again, sauté the onion, garlic, and seasonings until they are transparent in color.
Stir in the tomato paste and blend well. Add the tomatoes and stir until everything is well blended. Stir in an extra pinch of seasoning depending on your taste. Add the water. You can add more water depending on the thickness you desire. I only use one 28-ounce can.
Let the sauce come to a full boil and add the salt and pepper. Here is where you taste test, if you like more seasonings, add them to your liking. Return the meat to the pan. Simmer over medium heat, uncovered for at least an hour or until all the meat is fully cooked. Stir gently every 15 minutes or so, using a large wooden spoon. I cook mine for 5 to 6 hours on low. Until the meat is all broken down and soft. I remove any bones when the meat falls off of it.
Serve over pasta of your choice!
NOTE: Pork added to the gravy will make an oily delicious gravy. When you are using a significant amount of pork, skim the access oils off of the top of the sauce. Pork tend to produce a thin sauce, this is why we go easy with adding water or you can add another can of paste at the beginning. It all depends on how thick you like your sauce. This sauce is not meant to be watery or runny. Enjoy!!
Linguini pasta with Robin’s homemade meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley and green onions! 😍