Authentic Italian American Marinara Sauce Red Gravy Recipe

Unlock the secrets to the ultimate Italian-American red gravy! This isn't just marinara; it's the nostalgic, comforting sauce your Nonna made (or the one you've been craving). Rich, flavorful, and perfect for pasta, meatballs (try our recipe!), and everything in between. This recipe delivers the authentic taste of tradition, transporting you straight to a family dinner table. Learn the time-honored techniques for creating a sauce so delicious, it'll become a family favorite!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 260 mins
Calories 91.9 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 4.0 (11 Reviews)
Authentic Italian American Marinara Sauce Red Gravy 16

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian American Marinara Sauce Red Gravy

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How to Make Authentic Italian American Marinara Sauce Red Gravy

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato puree. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
  6. After 2 hours (or longer simmering), taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to your preference.
  7. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
  8. If desired, stir in fresh basil leaves before serving.
  9. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, with meatballs, or as a pizza sauce.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

15 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

2g

Carbs

4g