Updated: by This post may contain paid links. See more info on my privacy page.
Get ready to try the Best Meatball Sauce Recipe Ever! This is the perfect Sunday Gravy to go with meatballs and pasta. It's fragrant and filled with flavor from Italian seasoning, sausage, and pork loin!
Jump to:
Best Sunday Gravy
The flavor is so simple but it is out of this world delicious! You can enjoy it on everything from your favorite pasta recipes to juicy and crispy air fryer meatballs or Homemade Italian Meatballs.
This is my favorite go-to for a quick and easy Sunday Supper idea or when entertaining. The best part is that it uses staple pantry ingredients, plus sausage and pork loin, so it's budget-friendly and easy to make!
Sunday Sauce Ingredients
- sausage
- pork loin, cubed
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- tomato sauce
- onion, chopped
- sugar
- Salt & pepper
- Meatballs
The crispy meatballs simmer in the spaghetti meat sauce for 4 hours, developing deep flavor. But what makes these meatballs and sauce flavors stand out is the addition of sausage and pork loin!
Meatball Sauce Recipe Tip
I prepare my meatballs ahead of time in the oven or air fryer (Air Fryer Meatballs are amazing), and then make the sauce. By the time both cook together for a few hours, the flavor is intense! There is nothing better than cooking meatballs in sauce and enjoying it for dinner with some pasta at the end of a long day.
FAQs
Yes! If you have a stock of frozen meatballs in your freezer, making this delicious Italian spaghetti sauce is a great way to kick up the flavor. Prepare the meatballs according to the directions on the package, and then add to the sauce. This sauce will work its magic!
I actually recommend making this sauce ahead of time and serving it the next day. The flavor intensifies and becomes even tastier.
I always make a double batch and freeze half. Just store the sauce in a freezer bag and defrost it on the counter when ready to use. Simmer on low for approximately 15-20 minutes and this sauce is just as amazing.
How to Make Meatball Sauce
- Place a large deep pan or Dutch Oven over high heat and add ¼ cup olive oil. Add 1 small chopped onion and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are golden.
- Add 1 pound sausage and 1 pound cubed pork loin to the pan.
Cook until meat is golden brown, stirring occasionally. - Gradually pour in 4 28 ounce cans of tomato sauce.
Then, add ½ teaspoon sugar.
And finally, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. - How to cook meatballs in sauce: Stir, then add in your cooked meatballs.
Cover and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
This spaghetti sauce recipe is truly special. The flavors are so deep. Cooking meatballs in tomato sauce makes them even juicier!
What to Serve with Meatballs
If you love these meatballs, you'll adore my Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf!
The Best Sauces for Meatballs
- Honey Sriracha Sauce
- Birria Sauce
- Garlic Butter Sauce
- Thai Chicken Meatballs
- Sugo Recipe
Try dipping my Pasta Chips Recipe in this sauce!
Spaghetti sauce makes a great vacation recipe! Try more of my Easy Vacation Meals for ideas of what you can make while on vacation.
Amazingly Easy Sunday Gravy
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 1 pound pork loin - cubed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 28 oz. tomato sauce - cans
- 1 small onion - or half 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- salt & pepper to taste
- meatballs
Instructions
- Place a large deep pan or Dutch Oven over high heat and add ¼ cup olive oil. Add 1 small chopped onion and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are golden.
- Add 1 pound sausage and 1 pound cubed pork loin to the pan. Cook until meat is golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually pour in 4 28 ounce cans of tomato sauce. Then, add ½ teaspoon sugar and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- Stir, then add in your cooked meatballs. Cover and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over pasta of choice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook meatballs completely before making sauce for meatballs. I like to make mine in the air fryer, but oven meatballs are a great choice, too. You can even use frozen oven-baked meatballs! Just cook them first.
Sharon Chen says
Yum! I can't wait to try this.
Tawnie Kroll says
This was fantastic, thank you. I made a batch last week and it's been perfect to have on hand for meals!
Em Beitel says
Thanks so much, Tawnie!
kim says
Love this recipe! So easy with such great flavor! Will definitely be making again!
Em Beitel says
Thank you so much, Kim!
Cookilicious says
Thanks for this recipe. It looks so good.
Em Beitel says
It is just delicious. Thank you!
Mark Fieldhouse says
What kind of sausage?
Em Beitel says
Hi Mark! Italian sausage works best for this recipe. Thank you for your question!