Rich Pot Roast Pasta

Highlighted in: Main Meals Everyone Enjoys

This dish mixes juicy roast beef and sausage in a hearty tomato sauce, with cream and butter stirred in before serving over rigatoni.
Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Écrit par Kylie
Last modified on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:31:48 GMT
Rigatoni pasta in tomato sauce with beef, parsley, grated cheese, and bread on the side. Save it
Rigatoni pasta in tomato sauce with beef, parsley, grated cheese, and bread on the side. | kylierecipes.com

Sunday Pot Roast Sauce has become a family favorite in our home. There's something magical about how the pot roast breaks down into that flavorful tomato sauce, mixing perfectly with spicy sausage and al dente rigatoni. Whenever I cook this, wonderful smells drift through the house, and everyone rushes to grab a seat at the dinner table.

What's So Different About This

I'm amazed how this dish turns ordinary pot roast into something really special. The lengthy cooking time builds such amazing flavor layers while staying easy on your wallet. It's my number one pick when I've got lots of mouths to feed, and the extras taste even better the next day.

What You'll Need

  • Chuck Roast: It's the best choice because it gets so soft and tasty.
  • Italian Sausage: I shape these into small bite-sized meatballs.
  • Fresh Vegetables: They build the foundation of taste.
  • Herbs: Both dried and fresh for amazing smells.
  • Good Tomatoes: San Marzano ones really do taste better.
  • Tomato Paste: Gives that intense flavor boost.
  • Red Wine: Adds that something extra special.
  • Rigatoni: The sauce gets trapped inside these pasta tubes.
  • Finishing Touches: Cream, butter and parmesan make everything taste fancy.

How To Make It

Getting Ready
I always season the beef chunks well and place them with my tiny sausage balls in my trusty Dutch oven.
Creating Flavor
All the chopped veggies and herbs go in next, filling the kitchen with amazing smells before cooking even starts.
Slow Cook Time
Four hours of low heat turns everything into an incredible sauce. I often make it a day early since it tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Almost Done
I pull apart the super tender pot roast back into the sauce while the pasta boils, and can't wait to dig in.
Last Step
Mixing everything with cream, butter and parmesan takes it to a whole new level.
A close-up of a bowl of rigatoni pasta in a rich meat sauce, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs. Save it
A close-up of a bowl of rigatoni pasta in a rich meat sauce, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs. | kylierecipes.com

Think Ahead

What I really like about this sauce is how much it makes. We'll have it for dinner, then I store the rest in containers for the fridge or freezer to grab during busy weeknights. It's like doing a favor for my future self when I need a quick comfort meal.

Great Sidekicks

This goes so well with a simple green salad as the fresh veggies balance out the rich sauce. I always grab a loaf of crusty bread too because nobody can pass up soaking up all that amazing sauce from their plate.

Tools You Need

My Dutch oven works wonders for this dish, cooking everything so evenly. When life gets busy, I'll use my slow cooker instead which makes everything so much easier. Both ways turn out super tasty results.

Fresh Take On Old Favorites

This might not be exactly what my Italian grandma would make, but using pot roast brings its own kind of magic. I love how it creates such a fancy-tasting sauce without spending a ton of money. The meat just falls apart and blends into every spoonful, making everything taste so rich.

Why Pot Roast Works Best

Pot roast has become my favorite secret for this sauce. It changes completely during that long cooking time, breaking into soft strands that soak up all the flavors. It costs less than short ribs but the results are just as amazing.

Small Things That Make A Big Difference

I sometimes drop in a tiny star anise that adds such nice warmth. A good pour of red wine makes everything taste deeper, while fresh herbs brighten it all up. When it all comes together with that final bit of cream and parmesan, the sauce turns silky smooth.

Works For Every Occasion

We call it Sunday sauce but honestly, it fits any day of the week. Whether we're just having family dinner, celebrating a holiday, or hosting friends, it always gets compliments. Being able to make it ahead makes having people over so much easier.

Making Family Moments

This sauce means more to me than just food in our home. It brings everyone together, creating those special times where we talk and laugh over full plates. Each time I cook it, I remember why sharing good meals with the people I care about matters so much.

A bowl of rigatoni pasta is topped with a rich meat sauce and garnished with parsley and grated cheese. Save it
A bowl of rigatoni pasta is topped with a rich meat sauce and garnished with parsley and grated cheese. | kylierecipes.com

FAQ sur la recette

→ Can I use a slow cooker?
Absolutely, slow cook for 8-10 hours on low. Then transfer to the stove to mix in cream and finish with the pasta.
→ What does star anise do?
It gives a hint of unique flavor to meat sauces. It's optional but common in some Italian-American households.
→ Is this good for meal prep?
Yep! Make the sauce up to three days in advance. Heat it up and mix in cream and butter with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
→ What can I use instead of wine?
Try beef broth along with a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar as a swap.
→ Why use San Marzano tomatoes?
They're naturally sweet and less tangy, which makes the sauce smooth. Regular crushed tomatoes will also work fine.

Sunday Sauce Pot Roast

A slow-cooked stew blending soft pot roast, tiny sausage bits, and a wine-tomato sauce, perfectly paired with creamy rigatoni.

Préparation
20 minutes
Temps de cuisson
240 minutes
Durée totale
260 minutes
Écrit par: Kylie

Type de recette: Main Dishes

Niveau de difficulté: Moyen

Cuisine: Italian-American

Quantité obtenue: 6 Nombre de portions (6 portions)

Régimes: ~

Composition

01 3-pound beef chuck roast, cut into chunks.
02 1 pound hot Italian sausage links.
03 2 yellow onions, sliced thin.
04 6 cloves minced garlic.
05 1 cup diced celery.
06 1 cup diced carrots.
07 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs.
08 2 dried bay leaves.
09 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves.
10 Two 32-ounce cans of crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
11 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
12 2 cups dry red wine.
13 1 whole star anise (optional).
14 1 pound rigatoni shells.
15 1 cup heavy cream.
16 1 cup of shredded parmesan.
17 4 tablespoons salted butter.

Étapes de réalisation

Étape n°01

Set your oven temperature to 325°F and let it heat up.

Étape n°02

Rub the roast chunks with some salt and pepper. Roll the sausage into small balls.

Étape n°03

In the Dutch oven, place the meats, veggies, seasoning, tomatoes, wine, water, and star anise.

Étape n°04

Cover the pot and bake for about 3 1/2 to 5 hours until the beef falls apart.

Étape n°05

Pull the meat apart into shreds, then remove the star anise and bay leaves.

Étape n°06

Cook the rigatoni following the package directions.

Étape n°07

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, cream, parmesan, and butter until smooth.

Détails supplémentaires

  1. Try adding a parmesan rind for richer flavor.
  2. This sauce keeps well if made earlier.
  3. Don’t forget extra parmesan on top when serving.

Outils et ustensiles nécessaires

  • Use a Dutch oven for cooking.
  • You'll need a large pot for the pasta.

Informations sur les allergènes

Vérifie les ingrédients pour repérer d’éventuels allergènes et consulte un expert médical en cas de doute.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Has wheat-based products.

Apports nutritionnels (par portion)

Ces données sont uniquement indicatives et ne se substituent pas à un avis médical professionnel.
  • Kcal: 920
  • Matières grasses: 48 gr
  • Glucides: 65 gr
  • Protéines: 52 gr