We’ve got a soft spot for Sausage Red Gravy, that hearty Italian-American classic packed with bold flavors and comforting warmth. Originating from simple family kitchens, it’s our go-to for turning everyday meals into something special, blending savory sausage with rich tomato goodness.
This recipe promises ease without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. We’ll show you how to whip it up with ingredients you likely have on hand, ensuring every bite delivers that authentic, satisfying kick we all crave.
Ingredients
In our Sausage Red Gravy recipe, we select high-quality ingredients to craft a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for pasta or bread. Below, we list them in the order of use, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound, mild or hot variety, removed from casings to ensure even browning and flavor infusion.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin, used to coat the pan and sauté the first ingredients for a robust base.
- Onion: 1 large, diced finely, to build aromatic foundations before adding meats.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for adding a pungent depth that follows the onions.
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium, optional and chopped, to enhance sweetness and texture if desired.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), for the primary sauce body, providing tangy acidity.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, stirred in to thicken and intensify the tomato flavor.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, crumbled, to introduce earthy herbs midway through cooking.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon, for fresh herbal notes that complement the sausage.
- Red Wine: ½ cup, dry variety like Chianti, to deglaze and add complexity—reduce if alcohol-free.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, added in stages for seasoning balance.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of leaves, torn, reserved for finishing touches at the end.
Instructions
We gather our fresh ingredients and follow these straightforward steps to craft a flavorful Sausage Red Gravy that’s perfect for pasta or bread. Our approach ensures a rich, hearty sauce with authentic Italian-American depth.
Prep Work
Before diving into cooking, we prepare the ingredients in advance for efficiency and even flavor distribution.
- Chop the onion: Dice 1 large onion into ½-inch pieces to enhance the sauce’s sweet undertones.
- Mince the garlic: Finely chop 4 garlic cloves to release their pungent, aromatic essence.
- If using bell pepper: Dice 1 medium bell pepper into ½-inch pieces for a subtle crunch and color boost.
Cooking
We build the sauce on the stove, layering flavors for a savory, tomato-rich gravy that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, then add 1 pound of Italian sausage and brown it for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink and develops a crispy edge for added texture.
- Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper (if using), and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release a fragrant, garlicky scent that hints at the sauce’s depth.
- Add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 6 ounces of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and ½ cup red wine, then season with salt and black pepper to taste, creating a vibrant, tangy base that simmers to perfection.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, as the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency and the flavors meld into a comforting, herbaceous profile.
- Once the gravy reaches your desired thickness, stir in ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves, torn for maximum aroma, and remove from heat to preserve the bright, fresh taste that elevates every bite.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Sausage Red Gravy to life seamlessly after preparing the ingredients and following the cooking steps, we rely on a few essential tools. These items ensure efficient prep and cooking while enhancing safety and flavor development. Let’s outline the key equipment we’ll need, organized by category for clarity.
Basic Kitchen Essentials
We start with the fundamentals that make chopping and measuring straightforward:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is our go-to for simmering the sauce to achieve that rich, hearty consistency. Opt for one at least 4 quarts to handle the volume without overflow.
- Frying pan or skillet: Ideal for browning the Italian sausage evenly, locking in its savory flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for dicing onions and mincing garlic quickly and precisely, minimizing prep time and ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Measuring and Mixing Tools
Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so we use these for precision:
- Measuring cups and spoons: We recommend a set that includes 1-cup, ½-cup, and various spoons to measure ingredients like olive oil, spices, and red wine accurately.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring the sauce as it simmers, preventing sticking and allowing us to blend flavors without scratching our cookware.
Prep and Safety Items
These tools help with the initial setup and maintain a smooth workflow:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip board provides a safe surface for prepping vegetables and sausage, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Can opener: Useful for opening cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste efficiently, ensuring no mess during the process.
By having these tools ready, we make our Sausage Red Gravy preparation not only efficient but also enjoyable, allowing the aromas of browning sausage and herbs to fill our kitchen effortlessly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Sausage Red Gravy recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it in advance to let flavors deepen and meld, creating an even more aromatic and robust sauce ready to impress at a moment’s notice. Below, we outline the step-by-step process to make ahead, store, and reheat this hearty dish while preserving its rich, savory essence.
Preparing Ahead
To maximize convenience, we recommend making Sausage Red Gravy up to the simmering stage. Follow the main recipe instructions through browning the Italian sausage, sautéing the vegetables, and adding all ingredients except the fresh basil. Once the mixture reaches a simmer:
- Cook partially: Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes to develop initial flavors, then remove it from heat. This step ensures the base is flavorful without overcooking.
- Cool quickly: Transfer the sauce to a shallow container and let it cool at room temperature for no more than 1 hour. This prevents bacterial growth and maintains the sauce’s vibrant, tomato-fresh taste.
- Add fresh elements last: Stir in the fresh basil only when reheating to keep its bright, herbaceous aroma intact.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to keeping our Sausage Red Gravy safe and delicious. We suggest the following options based on your needs:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for short-term use.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for longer preservation, which helps lock in the sauce’s hearty, meaty texture.
For a quick reference on storage durations, here’s a breakdown in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3-5 days | Keep below 40°F; stir before reheating to redistribute the rich, savory oils. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Use freezer bags to save space; thaw overnight in the fridge for optimal flavor retention. |
Reheating Steps
When you’re ready to enjoy our Sausage Red Gravy, reheating is straightforward and restores its comforting, warm appeal. We advise:
- Thaw if frozen: If the sauce was frozen, transfer it to the refrigerator 24 hours in advance to thaw safely, ensuring the textures remain smooth and not watery.
- Reheat gently: Place the sauce in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it reaches a simmer—about 10-15 minutes. This method revives the bold, garlic-infused aroma and thickens the sauce to its original, velvety consistency.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and add a pinch of salt or black pepper if needed, as flavors may mellow during storage. For an extra burst, incorporate fresh basil at the end to enhance the dish’s fresh, herbaceous notes.
By following these steps, we ensure our Sausage Red Gravy stays as flavorful and convenient as possible, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Sausage Red Gravy recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring authentic Italian-American flavors to your table. It’s perfect for quick meals or special occasions, letting you create something truly satisfying with everyday ingredients.
By now, you’re set to make this dish a go-to favorite in your kitchen. We’re confident it’ll become one of our cherished staples, offering comfort and joy every time you serve it. Give it a try and enjoy the rewarding results!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sausage Red Gravy?
Sausage Red Gravy is a classic Italian-American dish featuring a rich, flavorful sauce made with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for pasta or bread, offering an authentic taste that’s great for weeknights or gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for Sausage Red Gravy?
Key ingredients include Italian sausage, olive oil, onion, garlic, optional bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red wine, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil. Use high-quality items for the best flavor, and follow the order of use for easy prep.
How do I prepare Sausage Red Gravy?
Start by dicing onion, mincing garlic, and optionally dicing bell pepper. Brown the sausage in a pan, sauté the vegetables, then add tomatoes, paste, herbs, wine, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened, and stir in fresh basil at the end for enhanced aroma and taste. The process takes about 30-45 minutes.
What tools are required to make Sausage Red Gravy?
You’ll need basic items like a large pot or Dutch oven for simmering, a frying pan for browning sausage, a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. A can opener is handy for tomatoes.
Can I make Sausage Red Gravy ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to the simmering stage, cool quickly, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh basil when reheating. Gently warm on the stove, stirring occasionally, and adjust seasonings as needed for the best flavor.