Sunday Sauce with Meatballs and Sausage: A Heavenly Dish You Won’t Forget

 

 Sunday Sauce with Meatballs and Sausage — A Family Favorite

Rich, slow-simmered  tomato sauce, tender homemade meatballs, and juicy Italian sausage come together in this classic comfort dish that’s perfect for Sunday gatherings or any day you want a taste of tradition.

 Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)

Sauce

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper
• 2–3 Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
  

   Instructions

  1. Make the Meatballs Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls. Brown in olive oil over medium heat (5–7 min), then set aside.
  2. Start the Sauce In the same pan, sauté onion in olive oil until soft (5 min). Add garlic and cook 1–2 min. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add Sausage Brown sausage whole or crumbled in the sauce. Cook through, then slice if needed.
  4. Simmer Meatballs Add browned meatballs to the sauce. Spoon sauce over them and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes.
  5. Serve Spoon sauce, meatballs, and sausage over pasta. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve with garlic bread or salad.

   Tips & Variations

  • Use rigatoni or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
  • Add zucchini, spinach, or carrots for extra veggies.
  • Make ahead: Sauce tastes even better the next day.
  • Freeze leftovers in portions for easy weeknight meals.