Instructions:
Step 1
Season the pork neck bones with the kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Brown the pork neck bones on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
Step 4
Brown the Italian sausage on both sides and remove it from the pot.
Step 5
Cook the chopped onion until soft, then stir in the minced garlic.
Step 6
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
Step 7
Pour in the tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, water, and sugar, then stir until smooth.
Step 8
Add the bay leaf, dried basil, and dried oregano to the sauce.
Step 9
Slice the browned sausage into large pieces.
Step 10
Return the pork neck bones and sliced sausage to the pot.
Step 11
Add the cooked meatballs and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 12
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 13
Remove the bay leaf and pork neck bones from the sauce.
Step 14
Shred any meat from the pork bones and stir it back into the sauce.
Step 15
Serve the Italian Sunday Sauce hot over cooked pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations:
Choose Quality Tomatoes
Using high-quality canned tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste creates a naturally sweeter, richer sauce with deeper flavor and a smoother texture that improves the final dish.
Brown the Meat Well
Taking a few extra minutes to brown the pork neck bones and Italian sausage before simmering develops caramelized flavors that give the sauce its classic homemade taste.
Let It Simmer Slowly
A long, gentle simmer allows the tomatoes, herbs, and meats to fully blend together, creating a thick and flavorful sauce that tastes even better than a quick-cooked version.
Try Different Meats
Beef short ribs, pork ribs, beef braciole, or homemade meatballs can be added to make the sauce even heartier while creating your own family-style variation.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the finished sauce just before serving to brighten the rich tomato flavors and add a fresh homemade touch.
Pair with the Right Pasta
This hearty Italian Sunday Sauce is especially delicious with spaghetti, rigatoni, pappardelle, fettuccine, or penne because these pasta shapes hold the thick meat sauce beautifully.
Storage
Store cooled Italian Sunday Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for Later
Freeze the cooled sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
