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basic red gravy (marinara)

StillWild avatar
Recipe by
Donna Graffagnino
@StillWild
Bayou Country, LA

This easy to make marinara sauce can be used for a number of recipes. Add meatballs, ground beef & pork, Italian sausage, chicken, shrimp, or anything else you like with red gravy. This is a traditional Italian recipe passed down for generations. The flavors become more intense when it sits in the refrigerator a day or two then served as leftovers.

yield 8 -10
prep time 15 Min
cook time 3 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For basic red gravy (marinara)

  • 1 Tbsp
    bacon grease
  • 1 Tbsp
    olive oil, or 2 tbsp if you are not using bacon grease
  • 2 md
    onions, chopped fine
  • 1/2 bunch
    green onions, sliced thin
  • 1/2 c
    bell pepper, chopped fine
  • 1 sm
    (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 md
    (15 oz) can diced tomatoes & (8 oz) tomato sauce **or** (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2-3 Tbsp
    garlic, minced
  • 3 c
    beef broth
  • 1/4 - 1/2 c
    red wine
  • 2 tsp
    oregano, dried
  • 1 Tbsp
    dried basil
  • 1 Tbsp
    granulated onion
  • 1 Tbsp
    granulated garlic
  • 2
    bay leaves
  • 1 tsp
    sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

How To Make basic red gravy (marinara)

  • 1
    Heat the bacon grease or olive oil in a Dutch oven, over medium heat and add chopped onions, green onions, and bell pepper and saute on low until onions are transparent but don't let them brown.
  • 2
    Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and minced garlic; cook down for about 5 minutes stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
  • 3
    Add wine and beef stock, oregano, basil, granulated garlic & onion, bay leaves, sugar and salt & pepper to taste.
  • 4
    Simmer stock for about 30-45 minutes, adding more beef stock as needed to keep sauce fairly thin. Cover with a splatter screen or off-set the lid so steam can escape without splattering sauce all over the kitchen; cook for 2-3 hours or until desired thickness is reached. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Serve over pasta or add your favorite meat to red gravy. Buono Appetito!
  • 5
    *Options: ,I don't use carrots but if you like them add 2 finely chopped carrots to the onions and bell pepper if desired - it adds to the sweetness. If you like just a little heat in your red sauce then add crushed red pepper flakes to taste when adding tomato paste & sauce.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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