There’s something special about making a big batch of tomato sauce on a quiet Sunday afternoon. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through many generations, especially among Italian and Sicilian families. The smell of the sauce simmering on the stove fills the house, creating a comforting and warm feeling. This is not just any recipe—it’s a piece of the heart, a connection to the past and to the gatherings that bring people together. With every stir of the pot, memories of pasta dinners and family occasions come alive.

Flavorful Tomato Blend

To start, you’ll need fresh Roma tomatoes, which are perfect for making a simple and flavourful sauce. If you have home-grown or organic tomatoes, even better! First, the tomatoes can be roasted or sautéed to deepen the flavor. Some tips to make the sauce easier include using a large Farberware pot and preparing all your ingredients in advance. A slow simmer is key, allowing the red tomatoes to break down into delicious, soft pieces. The longer the sauce cooks, the more authentic and rich it becomes.

Healthier and More Versatile Than Store-Bought

One great thing about this homemade sauce is that it’s healthier than store-bought jarred varieties. You can make your own version, using grass-fed or antibiotic-free meats if you decide to add some. The sugo, as it’s often called in Italy, is not just a sauce; it’s a gravy that can be served over pasta or used in other recipes throughout the week. It’s incredibly versatile, freezes well, and the leftovers taste even better after a few days.

A Simple Ritual for Special Occasions and Everyday Meals

Making a large batch means you can use the sauce for multiple dinners, whether it’s a quick meal or a dish for a special occasion. Plus, the sauce can be customized in different ways, adding a handful of fresh herbs or spices to create your own favourite version.

Every step, from sautéing the onions to letting the sauce simmer, is like a ritual, a quiet and calming process that connects you with the past and the present. The smell of tomatoes slowly simmering will linger in your kitchen, filling the air with that iconic scent of comfort and home.

Why this recipe works

This authentic sauce is inspired by my Sicilian family tradition, where every meal feels like a warm hug. The secret to its rich flavor lies in how it’s cooked low and slow, allowing the sauce to develop a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. With quality ingredients, this recipe produces an ultra tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience, especially when paired with perfectly seasoned meats. Despite sounding fancy, the minimal hands-on prep means you can spend less time in the kitchen, yet still serve a dish that serves a crowd for special occasions or even everyday meals.

It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your personal taste and make it just the way you like it. Plus, it freezes exceptionally well, making it a super easy solution for future dinners when you want something comforting without the extra effort. Whether for family gatherings or a casual dinner, this sauce is sure to be a hit, and your future self will definitely thank you!

My tips before getting started

When I make Homemade Sunday Tomato Sauce, I always recommend using high-quality jarred or canned tomatoes. Look for a product with just tomatoes as the main ingredient, and a touch of salt. I prefer brands that come from Italy because they seem to have that perfect balance of flavor. There are no exceptions here, always check the back of the can or jar to make sure the tomatoes were actually grown there.

Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook the tomato sauce. I like to let it simmer for about two hours. Since tomatoes contain a lot of water, cooking them slowly over an extended period helps to eliminate the excess moisture, leaving behind a rich, full-bodied, and incredibly delicious and flavourful sauce.

Ingredients (for 8 Servings):

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 5x 680mL canned Italian tomatoes (about 14 cups)
• 3 large garlic cloves, whole
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 heaping tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh basil, a large handful
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Method:

Heat the Olive Oil:

• In a large, deep pan, heat 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté Vegetables:

• Add the grated carrot, chopped red bell pepper, and finely diced onion. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and slightly brown.

Add Garlic and Spices:

• Reduce heat to low/medium. Add the whole garlic cloves, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic begins to lightly brown. Do not let the garlic burn.

Add Tomatoes:

• Pour in the canned tomatoes. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water into each empty tomato can, swirl, and pour the liquid into the pan to make sure all tomato content is used. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer the Sauce:

• Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to avoid burning at the bottom.

Uncover and Cook Longer:

• After 1 hour, remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for another hour. Stir occasionally.

Add Fresh Basil and Salt:

• In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the fresh basil leaves and sea salt. Stir and adjust the salt to your preference.

Remove Vegetables:

• After 2 hours of total cooking time, remove the whole garlic cloves, red bell pepper, carrot, and basil leaves. The sauce is now ready to serve.

Additional Info About Homemade Sunday Tomato Sauce.

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Homemade Sunday Tomato Sauce.

Health Benefits:

• Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants like lycopene, which help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Olive Oil is a heart-healthy fat that reduces bad cholesterol levels and improves good cholesterol.
• Garlic is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Carrot adds a source of beta-carotene and fiber, promoting healthy skin and digestion.

Notes:

• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the basil.
• This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a parmesan rind during simmering, but remove it before serving.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~110 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

Equipment:

• Large deep pan or pot
• Wooden spoon
• Blender (optional, for smoother sauce)

Storing

One of the main things I love about making a big batch of tomato sauce on Sunday is how versatile it is for the entire week. After preparing a fresh batch, I always make sure to store some in the fridge for easy access over the next couple of days. If I know it won’t be used within a day or two, I simply pop it into a freezer-safe ziplock bag and place it in the freezer. This way, I can enjoy homemade tomato sauce without the rush, knowing it’s there when I need it. Having a well-stocked kitchen with these essentials really helps keep meals fresh and delicious throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

Nothing says authentic Italian like a Sunday gravy simmering all day. This classic recipe is the kind of comforting dish that brings the entire family together, filling the house with warmth and delicious aromas. It’s the perfect dinner for a weekend gathering, creating an extra special experience for everyone. The sauce is rich and hearty, slowly building flavor as it simmers, making it an ideal meal to serve with a variety of sides, starters, and even a little dessert to top it all off.

What to serve with it

The best dinners start with an antipasto spread, offering Italian snacks like olives, marinated vegetables, and perhaps some bold chex mix, with a selection of meats and cheeses to nibble on while the sauce finishes cooking. This provides the perfect offset to the rich gravy. A simple salad of fresh green leaves or a twist like a buffalo chicken Caesar pairs nicely, while sides such as garlicky sautéed spinach, escarole, or broccoli rabe complement the meal. Don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty Italian bread—this is essential for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

To complete the entire dinner, oven-baked chicken cutlets make a great pairing. And for dessert, a traditional treat like whipped ricotta crostini or even a slice of thunder cake recipe with some homemade caramel will make the evening even more memorable. These dishes will round out the meal, bringing out the best of the gravy, while the bread and sides ensure that nothing goes to waste.

Recipe Tips

Making a delicious Homemade Sunday Tomato Sauce is a tradition that brings warmth and flavor to the kitchen. The key to success is taking your time and working with the best ingredients. Start by cooking onion and garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid browning. Browning the garlic too quickly can ruin the depth of flavor you’re aiming for. Be sure your can of tomatoes is opened and ready before adding them to the pan to help prevent burning, which can happen fast. This creates the perfect base for a smoother sauce, and using an immersion blender to puree any chunks of tomato and onion will give you a velvety texture. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before blending!

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a little tomato paste, although this is optional depending on your family’s taste. If your sugo feels too thin, don’t hesitate to skip thinning it further and instead, let it simmer longer to add body. Some like their sauce to have a thicker consistency like a gravy, while others prefer it a bit lighter. Feel free to adjust the texture by adding water as needed. Another important tip is to give your sauce a pinch of sugar—this might be controversial for some, especially among Italians, but it helps to mellow the acid in the tomatoes and create a balance of flavor without making it too sweet.

Let the sauce simmer on the lowest heat, giving it a stir every 20 minutes to make sure the bottom doesn’t burn. You can even transfer it to a slow cooker or crock pot and let it cook on low for 5-6 hours if you’re making it ahead of time or serving a larger group. This recipe is quite forgiving, allowing you to adjust the amount of meat or vegetables based on your preference or the number of people you’re serving. Don’t forget to add some fresh basil or parsley at the end for that final touch of freshness. The best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day, and you can easily freeze them for later.

What is Sunday sauce made of?

Sunday sauce, also called Sunday gravy or sugo, is a slow-cooked, rich marinara-like sauce that simmers for hours on the stovetop. Braised meat like beef or chicken adds depth to the sauce, making it perfect with pasta and offering tender pieces of meat in tow. This comforting dish brings warmth to any Sunday meal.

What is the secret to good tomato sauce?

The secret to a perfect tomato sauce begins with fresh, ripe tomatoes, crushed by hand for better flavor and texture. A mix of oil and a little ghee enhances the sauce’s creaminess by releasing fat-soluble aromatics. Slow cooking at a low temperature, ideally in the oven, allows for rich flavor development through slow caramelization, resulting in a deeply flavorful sauce.

What’s the difference between tomato sauce and Sunday gravy?

Sunday gravy simmers for several hours, featuring big pieces of meat that cook slowly until tender, creating a rich, red base. In contrast, marinara sauce is made without meat and takes only 20-30 minutes to prepare. The long cooking time gives Sunday gravy a deeper flavor, while a basic tomato sauce is quicker but still made with the best tomato pieces for a delicious result.