Authentic Italian Gravy is a rich, slow-cooked tomato sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful masterpiece. This traditional recipe combines succulent beef short ribs and Italian sausage with aromatic herbs and red wine, creating a sauce that embodies generations of Italian culinary heritage. The long simmering process allows the meat to infuse the sauce with incredible depth, resulting in a gravy that’s worth every minute of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The slow roasting and simmering process creates unmatched depth of flavor you can’t achieve with quick-cooking sauces
• Versatile sauce that works beautifully with any pasta shape or can be used in lasagna, over polenta, or with gnocchi
• Makes your home smell amazing for hours as it cooks
• Perfect for weekend cooking when you can let it simmer to perfection while going about your day
• Impressive dish for special occasions that also freezes wonderfully for future meals

Ingredients

• Red Wine: Choose a dry red wine that you’d enjoy drinking, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, as it adds significant depth and richness to the sauce.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality oil for the best flavor foundation; this is where the sauce begins building its character.
• Beef Short Ribs: These add incredible richness and depth to the sauce as they cook down; look for well-marbled pieces with good meat-to-bone ratio.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion provides the aromatic base; dice it finely for the best texture in the finished sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add essential flavor; adjust quantity up or down based on your garlic preference.
• Whole Peeled Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are traditional and provide the best flavor, but any good-quality canned whole tomatoes will work.
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated ingredient adds thickness and intensifies the tomato flavor in your gravy.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides body and consistency to the gravy while adding more tomato goodness.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor profile; use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
• Dried Herbs: Basil and oregano provide the classic Italian flavor profile that’s essential to authentic gravy.
• Fresh Italian Parsley: Adds brightness and freshness to balance the rich, slow-cooked flavors.
• Italian Sausage: Either sweet or hot Italian sausage works beautifully; you can use links or bulk sausage.

Variations

Wine-Free Version

For those who prefer to cook without alcohol, replace the red wine with additional beef broth plus 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth that wine provides. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Vegetable-Enriched Gravy

Add diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers along with the onions for a sauce with more vegetable content. This adds nutritional value and a subtle sweetness that complements the rich tomato base. Mushrooms are also a wonderful addition, contributing earthy umami notes.

Spicy Arrabbiata Style

Transform this gravy into a spicier version by adding 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes when you add the dried herbs. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild for an additional layer of heat throughout the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Meat and Aromatics

Place the red wine, olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a roasting pan, stirring to ensure everything is coated. Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This step creates incredible depth of flavor through caramelization and rendering of the beef fat.

Step 2: Transfer and Deglaze

Transfer the roasted mixture to a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the remaining red wine to deglaze, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from roasting. Allow this mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, which begins the process of tenderizing the meat.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Add the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and fresh parsley to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will reduce, intensify in flavor, and the meat will become incredibly tender.

Step 4: Finish with Sausage

Remove the short ribs from the sauce (you can serve them separately or shred the meat and return it to the sauce). Add the cooked and drained Italian sausage to the pot, then continue simmering for one final hour to marry all the flavors together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Break down the whole tomatoes with your hands when adding them to the pot for a more rustic texture in the final gravy
• Don’t rush the simmering process—the long, slow cook is essential for developing authentic flavor
• Skim any excess fat that rises to the top during simmering for a cleaner-tasting sauce
• If the sauce becomes too thick during the long simmer, add a little beef broth or water to maintain desired consistency
• Taste and adjust seasonings about 30 minutes before finishing—flavors intensify during cooking
• For extra richness, add a parmesan rind during the long simmer (just remember to remove it before serving)

How to Serve

This authentic Italian gravy pairs beautifully with any pasta shape, though traditionally it works exceptionally well with substantial pastas like rigatoni, pappardelle, or tagliatelle that can stand up to its richness. Serve in warmed bowls with the pasta of your choice, finishing with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh basil leaves.

For a complete Italian feast, accompany the pasta with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, crusty Italian bread for sopping up extra sauce, and a glass of the same red wine you used in cooking. This gravy also makes an outstanding base for lasagna or can be served over creamy polenta for a hearty alternative to pasta.

Make Ahead

This sauce is perfect for making ahead as the flavors actually improve with time. You can prepare the entire gravy up to 3 days before serving—simply refrigerate in an airtight container once cooled. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

For longer storage, this gravy freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a splash of beef broth when reheating if the sauce has thickened too much after freezing.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes! After the initial roasting step, transfer everything to a slow cooker instead of a stockpot. Add all remaining ingredients except the sausage and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Add the cooked sausage during the final hour of cooking.

Why roast the ingredients first instead of just simmering everything?

Roasting creates caramelization and develops deeper flavors through the Maillard reaction that simply isn’t possible with wet-heat cooking methods alone. This extra step is what gives this gravy its remarkable depth of flavor.

Can I use ground beef instead of short ribs?

While you can substitute ground beef, you’ll sacrifice significant flavor and richness. If short ribs aren’t available, beef chuck roast cut into chunks makes a better alternative than ground beef.

How do I know when the gravy has reduced enough?

The sauce should coat the back of a wooden spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should be thick enough to cling to pasta but not so thick it resembles paste. Remember it will thicken slightly upon cooling.

Conclusion

This Authentic Italian Gravy represents the heart and soul of Italian-American cooking—a labor of love that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. While it requires time and patience, the deep, complex flavors you’ll achieve make it well worth the effort. Whether for Sunday dinner with family or a special celebration, this gravy creates meals and memories that will have everyone asking for seconds and your recipe. Give yourself the gift of slowing down in the kitchen and experience the incredible satisfaction of creating this timeless classic from scratch.

Print