Go Back

NONNA'S SUNDAY SAUCE (RAGU' DELLA DOMENICA)

Sunday sauce — or ragù della domenica — is more than just food. It’s a tradition, a ritual that fills Italian homes with the aroma of slowly simmering tomatoes and savory meats. In Italy, Sunday lunch is sacred, and the sauce bubbling away on the stove is the star of the table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Italian Sauce, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Notes

Ingredients

  • 10–12 oz pork sausage (sweet or spicy, or a mix)
  • Extra virgin olive oil — to taste
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • Celery — finely chopped, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 1 large jar (about 24 oz) tomato purée
  • 1 cup water
  • Fine salt — to taste
  • Black pepper — to taste

Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Sausage
Cut the sausage lengthwise, remove the casing, and crumble the meat into small pieces.
Step 2 — Make the Soffritto
Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the celery, carrot, and onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 — Brown the Meat
Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Step 4 — Deglaze & Flavor
Add the red wine and let it evaporate. Stir in the tomato paste until fully dissolved.
Step 5 — Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Pour in the tomato purée and water. Season with salt, cover, and simmer gently for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6 — Toss with Pasta
Cook your pasta al dente, then toss it in the sauce until every piece is coated.
Step 7 — Optional Finish
Sprinkle with black pepper before serving for extra depth.