What is Pot Roast Sunday Sauce and how is it different from regular tomato sauce?

Pot Roast Sunday Sauce is a rich, homemade tomato sauce slow-cooked with pot roast beef and aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs. Unlike regular tomato sauce, which is usually made from just tomatoes and seasonings, this sauce incorporates the flavors and juices from the roasted beef, creating a deeper, meat-infused taste. It’s traditionally served on Sundays as a comforting family meal paired with pasta or crusty bread.

How do I make Pot Roast Sunday Sauce from scratch?

To make Pot Roast Sunday Sauce, start by browning a beef roast in a large pot to develop flavor. Remove the meat and sauté onions, garlic, and other vegetables in the same pot. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs (like basil and oregano), salt, and pepper. Return the roast to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for several hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened. Shred the meat and mix it back into the sauce before serving.

Can I prepare Pot Roast Sunday Sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, Pot Roast Sunday Sauce can be easily made in a slow cooker. Brown the pot roast and sauté vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes and seasonings, cover, and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the beef tender without much hands-on time.

What types of beef cuts work best for Pot Roast Sunday Sauce?

Cuts with good marbling and connective tissue, such as chuck roast, brisket, or shoulder roast, are ideal for Pot Roast Sunday Sauce. These tougher cuts become tender and flavorful after slow cooking and release gelatin, which enriches the sauce’s texture. Avoid lean cuts as they can dry out and won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

How should I store and reheat leftover Pot Roast Sunday Sauce?

Store leftover Pot Roast Sunday Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened during refrigeration or freezing. This sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Pot Roast Sunday Sauce Recipe with Rigatoni for Hearty Meals

Name: Pot Roast Sunday Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 1.5 to 2 kg beef chuck roast cut into chunks This provides the tender, flavorful base of the sauce.; – 450 g spicy Italian sausage formed into small meatballs Adds a kick and extra protein to the mix.; – 4 cloves garlic Brings a robust aroma and depth to every bite.; – 1 large onion chopped Offers sweetness and a foundational flavor.; – 2 carrots diced Contributes natural sweetness and nutrients.; – 2 celery stalks chopped Adds crunch and a fresh element to the sauce.; – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Infuses classic herbs for that authentic taste.; – 2 bay leaves Helps enhance the broth-like quality of the sauce.; – 4 sprigs fresh thyme Provides a fragrant, earthy note.; – 800 g crushed tomatoes (San Marzano type preferred) Forms the rich, tomatoey heart of the sauce.; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens and intensifies the flavors.; – 1 cup (240 ml) red wine Adds complexity and a subtle tang.; – 1 optional star anise Gives a hint of unique spice if you want to experiment.; – 500 g rigatoni The perfect pasta to soak up all that sauce.; – 120 ml cream or canned coconut milk Enriches the sauce, with coconut milk as a great dairy-free swap.; – 60 g salted butter Melts in to make everything creamy and smooth.; – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste Tops it off with a cheesy finish.

Description

🍖 Pot Roast Sunday Sauce with Rigatoni delivers rich, hearty flavors perfect for warm family meals or gatherings.
🍝 This recipe combines tender beef, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy sauce with rigatoni for a comforting, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

– 1.5 to 2 kg beef chuck roast cut into chunks This provides the tender, flavorful base of the sauce.

– 450 g spicy Italian sausage formed into small meatballs Adds a kick and extra protein to the mix.

– 4 cloves garlic Brings a robust aroma and depth to every bite.

– 1 large onion chopped Offers sweetness and a foundational flavor.

– 2 carrots diced Contributes natural sweetness and nutrients.

– 2 celery stalks chopped Adds crunch and a fresh element to the sauce.

– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Infuses classic herbs for that authentic taste.

– 2 bay leaves Helps enhance the broth-like quality of the sauce.

– 4 sprigs fresh thyme Provides a fragrant, earthy note.

– 800 g crushed tomatoes (San Marzano type preferred) Forms the rich, tomatoey heart of the sauce.

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens and intensifies the flavors.

– 1 cup (240 ml) red wine Adds complexity and a subtle tang.

– 1 optional star anise Gives a hint of unique spice if you want to experiment.

– 500 g rigatoni The perfect pasta to soak up all that sauce.

– 120 ml cream or canned coconut milk Enriches the sauce, with coconut milk as a great dairy-free swap.

– 60 g salted butter Melts in to make everything creamy and smooth.

– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste Tops it off with a cheesy finish.

Instructions

1-First, prepare all your ingredients by chopping and measuring to keep things organized.

2-Heat your pot and add the seasoned meat, browning it lightly if you choose, though you can skip this to save time.

3-Layer in the veggies and liquids, then cover and simmer on low heat.

4-Check occasionally and stir to ensure even cooking; this takes about 4 hours total.

5-Shred the beef and combine with the pasta, tossing everything together until well mixed.

6-Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and perhaps some butter-fried herbs or fresh parsley, alongside a simple winter salad and crusty bread.

Notes

⏳ Preparing the sauce a day ahead helps deepen the flavors.
🔥 Skipping the searing step reduces clean-up and saves time.
❄️ Freeze leftover portions for convenient future meals.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering, Slow Cooking, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 920
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 50 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 70 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 50 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: pot roast sauce, rigatoni pasta, hearty Italian meal, slow-cooked beef