Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce – A Cozy Classic!

Name: Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce – A Cozy Classic!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound rigatoni pasta; Salt for the pasta water; Fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 22, 2025

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Few dishes bring people together like a slow-cooked, rich, and flavorful pasta dish. Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce is a meal that carries warmth, tradition, and deep flavors in every bite. Combining fall-apart tender beef, a slow-simmered tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy weekend dinner.

Inspired by Italian-American Sunday gravy, where meats are slow-braised in a tomato-based sauce for hours, this dish delivers unparalleled depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a rich, satisfying, and restaurant-quality meal to impress your family and guests, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce

1. A Slow-Cooked, Rich, and Flavorful Sauce

The key to an amazing Sunday sauce is patience. Letting the beef simmer low and slow allows it to break down into tender, juicy shreds that infuse the sauce with deep, meaty flavors. Combined with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a splash of red wine, the result is a sauce that is bold, rich, and unforgettable.

2. Perfect for Family Gatherings

Nothing feels more special than a meal shared with loved ones, and this dish is made for the dinner table. Whether it’s Sunday supper, a holiday gathering, or just a comforting meal at home, this pasta dish is sure to be the centerpiece of your table.

3. A One-Pot, Make-Ahead Wonder

One of the best things about this dish is that it can be made in advance. The sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight. You can make a big batch, store it, and reheat it for a stress-free meal when you’re ready.

4. The Perfect Pasta Pairing

Rigatoni is the ideal pasta for this dish. Its hearty, tube-shaped structure holds onto the sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. The ridges on rigatoni also help catch bits of shredded beef, making it the perfect vehicle for this rich and meaty sauce.

Ingredients

For the Pot Roast Sauce:

Chuck roast (trimmed of excess fat) – 2–3 pounds
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Onion (finely diced) – 1 large
Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
Carrots (finely chopped) – 2
Celery stalks (finely chopped) – 2
Crushed tomatoes (canned, 28 oz) – 1 can
Beef broth – 1 cup
Dry red wine (optional) – ½ cup
Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ teaspoon
Bay leaf – 1
Salt and pepper – To taste

For the Rigatoni:

Rigatoni pasta – 1 pound
Salt (for pasta water)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley (chopped)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Sear the Beef
- Pat the chuck roast dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Remove from pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
Slow-Cook the Beef
- Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 3–4 hours until fork-tender.
Cook the Rigatoni
- Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Beef & Finish the Sauce
- Remove beef, shred with forks, and return to the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble & Serve
- Toss rigatoni with sauce or serve with sauce spooned on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Cup)

Calories – 580
Protein – 35g
Fat – 20g
Carbohydrates – 65g
Fiber – 6g
Sugar – 10g

Secrets to Making the Best Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef

A good pot roast starts with the right cut of beef. The best choices include:

Chuck roast – The most popular option due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.
Brisket – Slightly leaner but develops a rich, deep flavor.
Short ribs – Adds extra fattiness and depth, making the sauce even more indulgent.

2. Don’t Skip the Sear

Before slow-cooking, searing the beef is crucial. This step:

Locks in the juices
Creates a deep caramelized crust that enhances the sauce
Adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t get from simply boiling the meat

3. Low and Slow is Key

Cooking the sauce for at least 3-4 hours allows the flavors to meld together, and the beef to become fall-apart tender. You can do this on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker.

4. Red Wine = A Deeper, Bolder Sauce

Adding a splash of dry red wine (like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon) elevates the flavor of the sauce. It enhances the richness, adds complexity, and helps break down the beef for maximum tenderness. If you prefer not to use wine, substituting beef broth works well, too.

5. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference

While dried herbs add great flavor, finishing the dish with fresh basil and parsley brightens the sauce and balances the richness. Freshly grated Parmesan on top also enhances the depth of flavors.

How to Serve Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce

1. As a Classic Italian Feast

For a true Italian-style meal, serve this dish with:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
A Fresh Green Salad – A crisp salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness of the sauce.
Roasted Vegetables – Such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini for an extra side of flavor.

2. Make it a Comfort Food Experience

If you’re craving an even heartier meal, try serving the pasta with:

A glass of red wine – Pair with a full-bodied wine like Chianti or Zinfandel.
A side of creamy polenta – Instead of pasta, serve the pot roast sauce over polenta for a rustic twist.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The sauce works beautifully over mashed potatoes as well.

3. A Perfect Meal for Leftovers

This dish tastes even better the next day! The sauce thickens, and the flavors intensify overnight. Leftovers can be:

Used in a baked pasta dish with layers of mozzarella and ricotta cheese.
Served over crusty bread for an open-faced sandwich.
Turned into a hearty soup by adding extra broth and pasta.

Variations and Customizations

1. Make It Spicy

Love heat? Add:

Crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Diced Calabrian chili peppers for a bold Italian heat.

2. A Lighter Version

If you want to lighten the dish, try:

Using ground beef or turkey instead of chuck roast for a leaner option.
Replacing half the pasta with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.

3. Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Options

Slow Cooker: Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
Instant Pot: Use the pressure cook setting for 60 minutes, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

1. Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

2. Freezing

Freeze the sauce without the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

3. Reheating Tips

Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
If reheating with pasta, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further. Simply reheat before serving.

2. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni is ideal, penne, ziti, or pappardelle also work well.

3. Is Red Wine Necessary?

No, but it adds a deep richness to the sauce. If avoiding alcohol, substitute with extra beef broth or grape juice.

4. Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring

Pot Roast Rigatoni with Sunday Sauce is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The tender, slow-cooked beef, rich tomato sauce, and hearty pasta create a dish that is deeply comforting, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, enjoy a cozy night in, or meal prep for the week, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

So set aside a Sunday afternoon, let the sauce simmer, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort—one forkful at a time.