If you’ve ever wanted to experience the warmth of an Italian Sunday dinner right in your own kitchen, then this Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe is your golden ticket. This hearty, slow-simmered tomato sauce over tender short ribs, spicy sausage, and perfectly seasoned meatballs brings the kind of cozy comfort and rich depth of flavor that turns any meal into a celebration. Each bite offers layers of savory goodness, with the tender meats soaking up the vibrant sauce, making it a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a big, delicious family hug on a plate.

Ingredients You'll Need

A top view of various ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden table with a white marbled texture background replaced: at the bottom left, a white plate holds two reddish-brown sausages and three pieces of red marbled raw meat with a green basil leaf on the side; above the plate, a can of red crushed tomatoes sits next to a small white bowl filled with minced garlic; to the right, a blue bowl is filled with chopped white onions; at the top right, a black bowl holds many cooked brown meatballs with some browned edges; scattered around are small white bowls with different dried herbs, a small white scalloped dish with red chili flakes, a small white bowl with dark red tomato paste, a tiny white bowl with light green herbs, a cup with light golden olive oil, and wooden salt and pepper bowls with a dry bay leaf next to them; a glass pitcher of brown broth is placed at the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this soulful Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe. Every element plays a key role—whether it’s the deep beefy flavor from short ribs, aromatic herbs that bring the sauce to life, or the fresh basil to brighten it all up at the end.

2 Tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing meats and creating a flavorful base.

2 Pounds beef short ribs: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture after slow cooking.
1 Teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the meats and balancing flavors.
½ Teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle sharpness to enhance the sauce.

1 Pound Italian sausage links: Brings a spicy, savory punch that complements the beef.
1 Pound Italian meatballs (10 to 18 depending on size): Their tender, seasoned meat adds heartiness and extra texture.
1 onion (small, finely chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth when caramelized.

2 Cloves garlic (minced): Offers a warm, aromatic kick that rounds out the sauce.
2 Tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a rich, concentrated sauce.
2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the sauce with herby notes.

1 Teaspoon dried basil: Adds freshness and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
½ Teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning.
½ Teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian earthiness.
¼ Teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch of heat to balance flavors.
2 Cans crushed tomatoes (28-Ounce cans): The saucy heart of the dish, providing vibrant color and acidity.

1 Cup beef broth: Adds savory richness and helps the sauce meld perfectly with the meats.
1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal essence for layered flavors.
¼ Cup fresh basil (chopped): Stirred in last to brighten and finish the sauce with freshness.

How to Make Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Meats

Start by seasoning your short ribs with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial as it ensures the meat is flavorful right from the start. Setting them aside now lets the seasoning do its work while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Sear the Short Ribs

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs on all sides until they develop a deep, beautiful brown crust. This caramelization locks in flavor and gives your sauce an irresistible depth. Once browned, remove the ribs and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onion

Add your finely chopped onion to the same pot, letting it soften and turn translucent. This slow cooking brings out the onion’s natural sweetness that will build a rich foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Next, stir in your minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook these until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste takes on a slightly darker shade. This step intensifies the tomato flavors and adds that luscious umami glow to your sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and a little more black pepper. These herbs create the signature aromatic profile that gives this Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe the classic Italian soul.

Step 6: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth

Pour the crushed tomatoes and beef broth into the pot, stirring everything together well. These liquids form the sauce’s body, combining acidity, richness, and savory notes into a luscious blend that will marry perfectly with the meats.

Step 7: Add Meats and Bay Leaf

Return the seared short ribs to the pot, and add the Italian sausage and meatballs as well. Toss in the bay leaf to infuse subtle earthy flavors as everything simmers gently together.

Step 8: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot loosely. Let it cook for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. During this slow simmer, the short ribs become tender, and the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety masterpiece.

Step 9: Final Touches

Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf, then stir in freshly chopped basil for a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor that lifts the entire dish.

How to Serve Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe

A large white pot filled with thick, rich red tomato sauce that has visible herbs and spices. Inside the sauce, there are several browned sausages and meatballs, fully covered but visible through the thick sauce. To the left of the pot, there is a white plate with a pile of plain yellow spaghetti noodles. To the right, there is a white bowl containing fresh green spinach leaves topped with a few bright red grape tomatoes and a light sprinkling of grated cheese. The background is a white marbled surface, with a white and blue striped cloth near the pot and a grater with a wooden handle resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top adds salty richness that pairs beautifully with the flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra fresh basil will bring a bright, fresh contrast to the rich meat sauce, making every bite sing.

Side Dishes

This hearty Sunday Sauce shines when served over your favorite pasta—spaghetti or rigatoni are fantastic choices because they hold the sauce beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf also makes the perfect companion for mopping up every last bit of sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing twist, serve the saucy meats on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce wonderfully. You can also enjoy this Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe as the filling for a savory sandwich or over roasted vegetables for a lighter, yet still indulgent meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the sauce and meats to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious sauce again without starting from scratch.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it out and freeze in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Sunday Sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, a splash of beef broth or water will help loosen it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of short ribs?

Absolutely! While short ribs offer amazing flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute with beef chuck roast or brisket. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

Do I have to use Italian sausage and meatballs, or can I make them from scratch?

Using pre-made Italian sausage and meatballs is convenient, but making your own at home allows you to customize the seasonings and ingredients to your liking, which can make the dish even more special.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the meats and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This hands-off method is perfect for busy days but still delivers that rich, comforting sauce.

What pasta pairs best with this Sunday Sauce?

Hearty, medium-width pastas like rigatoni, pappardelle, or penne are ideal because they catch the chunks of meat and sauce beautifully. Of course, spaghetti is a classic and never disappoints.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?

This version is centered around meats for rich flavor, but you can create a vegetarian version by substituting with hearty mushrooms, eggplant, or plant-based meat alternatives, and using vegetable broth in place of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe is truly a masterpiece that brings warmth, depth, and tradition to your dining table. The slow-simmered sauce paired with tender meats is a soul-satisfying experience you and your loved ones will cherish. Don’t hesitate for another Sunday to whip this up—once you taste it, it’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to meals.

Sunday Sauce with Short Ribs, Sausage, and Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need