Chef John’s Sunday Pasta Sauce: A Classic, Comforting Dish

Chef John’s Sunday Pasta Sauce, often referred to as “Sunday Sauce,” is a rich and savory tomato-based sauce simmered with beef and chicken. This recipe is a tradition in many Italian-American households, where the sauce is prepared and simmered slowly on Sundays, filling the home with mouthwatering aromas. It’s the perfect comfort food, served over pasta and topped with tender, flavorful meat.

Quick Benefits

• Slow-Cooked Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors of the meat and tomatoes to meld together, creating a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With its generous portions of meat, this sauce is filling and can serve a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, and the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored for future meals.
• Packed with Protein: The combination of beef and chicken provides a good source of protein, making this a hearty and fulfilling dish.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chef John’s Sunday Pasta Sauce:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For browning the meat and sautéing the onions.
• 1 (1-inch thick) slice beef shank: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• 2 bone-in chicken thighs: Adds tenderness and flavor to the sauce.
• 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma to the sauce.
• 1 pinch salt: For seasoning the onion while cooking.
• 6 cloves garlic: Adds fragrance and enhances the savory flavor.
• 3 (28-ounce) cans crushed Italian (plum) tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
• 2 cups water, divided: To help thin the sauce and loosen the roasted meat bits from the pan.
• ¼ cup tomato paste: For a thicker, more concentrated tomato flavor.
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Adds a rich, umami-packed flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley: For fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste: For seasoning the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the sauce.

Preparation Steps

1. Roast the Meat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large roasting pan and place the beef and chicken in the pan. Turn the meat to coat with the oil. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is well-browned.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, 1 ½ cups of water, and tomato paste into the pot with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine.
4. Combine Meat and Sauce: Add the roasted beef and chicken into the tomato mixture. Pour the remaining ½ cup of water into the roasting pan and bring it to a boil while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the water from the roasting pan into the sauce.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 4 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has reduced.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the meat is tender, transfer it to a dish. Adjust the sauce’s seasoning to taste. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and top with the tender meat.

Health Benefits

This Sunday Pasta Sauce is a hearty and satisfying dish, but it also offers some health benefits:

• Protein: The beef and chicken provide a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall body function.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The garlic, onion, and tomatoes contribute small amounts of vitamins like vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health, and iron for healthy blood cells.
• Fiber: While this sauce isn’t particularly high in fiber, the tomatoes offer some fiber, which is important for digestive health.

However, the dish is also high in fat due to the meat and the olive oil, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Serving Suggestions

• With Pasta: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. The rich sauce will coat the pasta beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
• Salad: A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the sauce.
• Grated Cheese: Sprinkle additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.

Creative Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Use Different Meats: If you don’t have beef shank, you can use other cuts of meat such as chuck roast or lamb.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to make the sauce spicier.
• Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, skip the meat and use mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a substitute.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Pro Tips

• Low and Slow Cooking: The key to this sauce is the long cooking time. Don’t rush the process; let the flavors meld and the meat become tender for the best results.
• Make Extra Sauce: This sauce can be made in large batches and stored for later use. It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce.
• Use a Slow Cooker: If you don’t have time to babysit the sauce, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker after roasting the meat and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the beef, pork, and chicken with other meats such as sausage, veal, or turkey, depending on your preference.

2. How can I make this sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, or use fresh chili peppers or hot sauce for extra heat.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce actually tastes better when made a day ahead, as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months.

This Chef John’s Sunday Pasta Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy!

Print