Name: Authentic Italian Gravy: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth); 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 bay leaf; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Bold Flavor: The combination of ground beef, sausage, and fresh herbs creates a flavorful, savory sauce that’s hard to beat.
Slow-Cooked Goodness: The sauce simmers for hours, developing layers of deep, rich flavors that make every bite incredible.
Versatile: Perfect over pasta, as a base for lasagna, or even for dipping with crusty bread.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth, as a non-alcoholic substitute)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Brown Meats

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon.

3. Sauté Aromatics

Once the meats are browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Deglaze with Broth

Slowly add the beef or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, which will add extra flavor to the sauce.

6. Season the Sauce

Stir in sugar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Mix thoroughly to combine.

7. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

8. Taste and Adjust

After two hours of simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

9. Serve

Your Authentic Italian Gravy is now ready to be served over pasta, used in lasagna, or paired with bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef and sausage with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in your sauce.
Extra Herbs: Add fresh basil or thyme toward the end of cooking for even more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This gravy freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.

2. Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Crushed tomatoes are preferred for their thick texture, but you can substitute with tomato sauce if that’s what you have on hand. You may need to adjust the seasoning to compensate.

3. How long can I store the sauce?

In the fridge, the sauce will keep for about 4 days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is the best option.

4. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, the flavors improve as it sits!

5. Can I use this sauce for lasagna?

Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for layering in lasagna for added depth of flavor.

6. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

If the sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix in a little cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

7. Can I use this sauce with other pasta types?

This sauce is versatile and works great with any pasta, from spaghetti to penne or rigatoni.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add more veggies like bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

10. Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meats and sauté the onions and garlic in a pan first, then add everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

This Authentic Italian Gravy is the real deal — rich, hearty, and full of bold, comforting flavors. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or just dipping bread, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought sauce again!