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Authentic Italian Gravy

A rich and hearty Italian gravy made with beef short ribs and Italian sausage, simmered with tomatoes and herbs for a deep flavor.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the sauce
  • 1 cup red wine plus 1/4 cup for simmering
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 pieces beef short ribs
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes Use good quality canned tomatoes for best taste.
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth Can substitute half with water if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and drained

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Place red wine, olive oil, beef short ribs, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a roasting pan; stir to coat.
  3. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Simmering
  1. Remove from the oven and transfer the mixture to a 6-quart stockpot over medium-low heat.
  2. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of red wine and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, and parsley; stir well.
  4. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce reduces, for about 4 to 6 hours.
  5. Remove ribs from the sauce and stir in cooked and drained sausage. Continue simmering for 1 hour.
Serving
  1. Serve the gravy over cooked pasta.

Notes

For a light dessert, consider serving an affogato with vanilla ice cream and hot espresso. Grated cheese and warm bread are great accompaniments.