Slow Cooker Saucy Sunday Bolognese Pasta.
This Slow Cooker Saucy Sunday Bolognese Pasta is best for Sunday nights, but easy enough for any weeknight. Slow cooked Italian Bolognese sauce with a mix of spicy meat, vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and rich red wine. Serve this sauce over rigatoni pasta and top with homemade parmesan breadcrumbs. All it needs is a side of crusty bread for mopping up all that sauce. You simply can’t go wrong with this hearty Sunday Bolognese. Added bonus? You can make this in the Instant Pot or simmer on the stove.
Another October Monday, another easy slow cooker dinner that’s cozy and delicious. Last week I shared my healthier take on a slow cooker creamy tortellini vegetable soup. This week…we’ve got something a little cozier and heartier.
Both are equally delicious and equally great for fall (or Sunday nights). But if you’re in the mood for rich, saucy pasta, this is your recipe. It’s classic, but yet updated and even made with a few healthy swaps as well. But most importantly? It’s just really delicious, stick to your bones, feel-good kind of comfort food.
The background story.
As we head deeper and deeper into fall I’m really leaning into the slow cooked meals that are easy, hearty, and delicious. Enter this Sunday Sauce. Also known as the sauce you can make on a Sunday, but then enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Growing up, I didn’t know what a Sunday sauce was. This wasn’t something my mom made or a recipe passed down through the family. No, this is a sauce I somehow created a few years back because it sounded really comforting to me. The sauce I made years ago, I simply called Crockpot Sunday Sauce. It’s made with short ribs, and it’s delicious.
It’s that sauce that inspired today’s “Sunday sauce”. This sauce is made Bolognese style with a mix of ground meat, vegetables, and rich red wine. It is the easiest to throw together, but yet it’s so full of hearty, slow cooked, Italian flavors.
I’ve been excited to share the recipe for days!
The simple steps.
Making this Sunday Bolognese is easy. You can make it one of three ways. Slow cook all day in your slow cooker, simmer all day on the stove, or speed up the process and cook in the Instant Pot. I prefer the slow cooker, but either method yields a delicious sauce.
Let’s walk through the slow cooker steps.
Just like any slow cooker meat-based recipe, start out by browning the meat. It’s a bit of an annoying step, but one that is needed to achieve the best flavor. For the meat, I love using a mix of lean ground beef or chicken and spicy ground Italian chicken sausage. The sausage is not traditional, but I find it really adds so much flavor since it’s made with garlic, herbs, and spices.
Cook the bacon, then add the meat and onion. Once everything is browned, simply transfer to the bowl of your slow cooker.
If you have a newer slow cooker that has the ability to sear meats, that’s awesome. You should definitely use that function!
Once the meat has been added, add all the remaining ingredients, give the sauce a good stir, then cook low and slow all day long.
Nothing is better than the smells that will be coming from your kitchen, like nothing. That’s why this sauce is so perfect for Sunday. Simply throw it together in the morning and go off and enjoy your Sunday. Then come home to a house that smells like your Italian grandma was there cooking all day.
It’s the best most warming welcome home.
Before serving…
Make those breadcrumbs and find yourself a really good loaf of bread too. Yes, you need both.
The breadcrumbs are made with sourdough, fresh oregano, and plenty of parmesan cheese. While these breadcrumbs may seem simple, they add texture to the pasta and a nice cheesy crunchy bite.
So. Very. Delicious.
And finally, the pasta. For whatever reason, I love a big rigatoni noodle for this sauce, but any pasta works. So use what you or your family love most.
And that’s it – you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to top each plate with those breadcrumbs and chunks of rustic bread for mopping up all that sauce. Delicious.
Do you have to wait until Sunday to make this?
Of course not! You can make this tonight or any night of the week.
Here is my suggestion though. Make this for Sunday night dinner along with my favorite beer bread. This recipe feeds a lot, probably way more than you need, so chances are you’ll have leftovers. And those leftovers…they are amazing. Maybe even better than the “fresh” sauce because the longer this sits, the more time the flavors have to develop.
You can serve throughout the week with pasta or over mashed potatoes. Or, freeze the leftover sauce and enjoy it in a month or so. That way, when the holiday craze hits, you’ll have dinner ready at the drop of a hat. It’s always nice to have a cozy “Sunday” meal on hand during the busy holiday months!
Looking for other hearty Sunday recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Healthier 30 Minute Beer Braised Chicken
30 Minute Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs with Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
Lastly, if you make this Slow Cooker Saucy Sunday Bolognese Pasta be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Slow Cooker Saucy Sunday Bolognese Pasta
Best for Sunday nights...but easy enough for weeknights. Just be sure to add crusty bread!
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 medium yellow, onions chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 pound lean ground beef or chicken
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 4 carrots, finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups dry red wine, such as Sangiovese
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups torn sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Slow Cooker
-
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, beef, sausage, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Brown all over breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Transfer the meat to the bowl of your slow cooker. Add the carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
3. Remove the thyme. If the sauce is soupy, crank the heat up to high and cook, uncovered for 20-30 minutes. If the sauce needs additional liquid, add 1-2 cups water or beef broth.
4. To make the breadcrumbs. Preheat oven to 425° F. On a baking sheet, toss the bread, with olive oil, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Bake 10 minutes, until toasted. Crumble the bread into fine crumbs using your fingers or pulse in a food processor. Toss with parmesan and red pepper flakes.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain. Use the pasta water to thin the Bolognese sauce, if needed.
6. To serve, divide the pasta among bowls and ladle the bolognese over top. Serve topped with breadcrumbs, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Instant Pot
-
1. Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, beef, sausage, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Brown all over, about 10-15 minutes. If using a smaller instant pot, it's easiest to brown the meat in 2 batches or on the stove. Turn the Instant Pot off.
2. To the instant pot, add the carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
3. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function. Set the Instant pot to sauté. Bring to a boil, boil 5-10 minutes or until the liquid reduces just slightly. Turn the instant pot off. Remove the thyme.
4. Finish as directed about through step 4.
Stove-top
-
1. Cook the bacon in a large dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, beef, sausage, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and thyme. Add 2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce needs additional liquid, add water or beef broth to thin.
3. Remove the thyme. If the sauce is soupy, cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes over medium heat.
4. Finish as directed about through step 4.
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Oooh I want to try this – can I sub out the chicken sausage as I’m not a fan p.s I got ur first book as an anniversary present from my
Husband it’s a beautiful book can’t wait to try it all!
Hi Mel! I am so happy you have been loving the book and I hope you enjoy all of the recipes in it! Also, hope you love this one!! xTieghan
Really love this pasta. Especially the addition of the bread crumb Mix. I have a mezza rigatoni I love that will perfect.
Thank you so much Joyce! xTieghan
Wow, this looks amazing! I am so excited to make it this weekend! Thanks for the lovely recipe 🙂
Thank you Madeline! xTieghan
This recipe sounds fantastic and I’m so anxious to get the ingredients to make it soon. I’m sure my husband won’t leave any leftovers and to be honest I doubt that I can refrain from going back for seconds myself.
Thank you Linda! I am really glad this turned out well for you! xTieghan
Hey there, what would you suggest instead of the wine?
Hey Lola,
You can use beef broth or pomegranate juice/cranberry juice mixed with water. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Thoughts on trying this in a Dutch Oven?
Hey Nicki,
I have stovetop instructions listed above. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan,
Your photography is gorgeous! A quick question, is there any way to potentially make the sauce vegetarian? Maybe with mushrooms instead of ground meat? Lentils?
Hey Misty,
You could simply omit the meat, you could also use mushrooms too! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
For how long can you store the breadcrumbs? In the fridge or on the counter?
Hey Anders,
I would store in an air tight container on the counter for 3-4 days. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi! This looks DELISH. Do I need 28 oz total for the tomatoes or two 28 oz cans? Also, do you think the sauce would fit in a 7 oz slow cooker? Can’t wait to make this!
Hey Jessie,
You are going to use 2-28 ounce cans. Yes that should work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Oohhh, this looks so yummy!! Can’t wait to make!!
Thank you April! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Looking forward to trying this. I love the smell of sauce cooking on the stove all day. Reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house – although in my family, we called it gravy.
Aw love that it can bring some good memories! Thank you so much for trying this Janet! xTieghan
What is the size of your crockpot you use for this?
Hey Jacey,
My crockpot is a 7 quart pot. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this tonight with only minor changes-used a mix of half sweet Italian and half spicy Italian chicken sausage that I removed from their casing and small diced since I couldn’t find the other kind. This is one that requires a bit of attention to not get a burn warning on the instant pot-be sure to give it some serious stirring before starting the pressure part of the recipe so the heavier meats don’t sink to the bottom! A rich and scrumptious pot of sauce-and holy cow it makes a ton!
Thank you so much Karen! I am really happy this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Bolognese is maybe my favorite Italian dish, whatever pasta or even zucchini may be paired with it, its a nice break from the sometimes too acidic marinara or similar tomato based sauces that are much more popular here in the US. I prefer the more savory flavors in bologese dishes so thank you
Thank you Sabrina! I hope you love this one if you get a chance to try it! xTieghan
Looks amazing! Seems like it makes a ton- any advice on storing and how long?
Hey Sam,
You could totally freeze this sauce. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Love this recipe. Flavors, texture and range of spicy perfect and love that you can use chicken or turkey Italian sausage. One question that consumed the conversation at the dinner table. Why didn’t the sauce stick to the pasta like your pictures. Sauce slides off the noodles. My family analyzed this to no end. Your professional opinion would appreciated
Thanks
Missy
Hey Missy,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! Did you rinse your noodles? That usually prevents any type of sauce from sticking to the noodles. Let me know if this helps! xTieghan
OMG THIS LOOK DELISH MY FAVORITE DISH IS PASTA AND I WANNA MAKE THIS BUT DO YOU THINK IT WILL WORK WITH FRESH TOMATOES PLEASE ?
Hey Hyba,
I would highly recommend using jarred tomato sauce for this recipe. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I followed pressure cooker instructions. The carrots and celery were still crunchy after 20 mins and natural release for 20 mins. Going to try another pressure cycle at 20 mins and see if that helps.
Hi Ivy! Please let me know if there is anything I can help with!! xTieghan
This recipe was delicious! I followed the instapot instructions but found I had to sauté a bit longer at the end (closer to 30-45 mins) to reduce the sauce to my desired thickness.
I am really glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Tieghan!
Forever the temptress!
Have been doing well for three weeks on my COVID quarantine diet until I saw these lusciously photographed rigatoni noodles. I resisted getting out my slow cooker for three days. But then I succumbed and made your Sunday pasta on Friday!
Perfectly photographed. And perfectly paired with an Umbria Sangiovese!
Gerry Smith
Amazing! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Gerry! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This look delicious! How spicy is this dish with the spicy Italian sausage? I want to make it for my kids who don’t do well with a lot of spice, but love flavor. Will it be more mild because it will be mixed with beef? Thank you!
Hey Serena,
I would recommend just using mild Italian sausage and omitting the red pepper flakes. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions!
This turned out great. I halved the recipe and used the slow cooker function (4 hrs) on my instant pot. I did take the lid off after the 4hrs, and sautéed on low for maybe 15-20 mins, to let it thicken up while I made the pasta and grated parm.
I suffer from CSA and farmer’s market binges, so always have extra veggies/fruit/mushrooms I’m trying to use up. To this recipe I hid a small amount of leftover roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, and a small amount of roasted delicata, all diced up. Yummers!
I am really glad this turned out so well for you, May! Thank you!! xTieghan
We made this yesterday, and it was perfect for our first snow here in Alaska. Smelling it cooking all day was a nice bonus (one reason I love using a crock pot versus an instapot — ya can’t beat the anticipation of smelling something yummy cooking all day). It made a TON of sauce, so I’ll be freezing it in batches for when we need comfort food and I don’t have time to cook.
I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Victoria! Thank you!! xTieghan
Making this right now – and omg – the sauce is to the brim of the slow cooker… had me nervous for a second! Haha!
😀
But really, it’s a perfect recipe while half watching football and has the house smelling delicious! I can’t wait for this evening.
I’m new to your blog and I made your butternut squash/pomegranate/kale salad last night from 2019 and holy moly – soooo great. I’m a new fan and telling everyone I possibly can about your amazing recipes!
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much Sarah! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This was disasterous only because you should de-glaze the instapot after you’re done browning the meat. My instapot is top of the line and kept saying BURN each time I tried to do the 20 min pressure cook. Scraped off everything on the bottom 2x and would not stop saying burn. It was already 5pm and I had no other options left but to quit since I didn’t have time to stove top or slow cook it.
Hi Nikki! I am so so sorry about that! Please let me know if I can help. Otherwise, I hope you love some other recipes of mine! xTieghan
this was delish! The whole family devoured it. A perfect cozy movie-night-in dinner! I tried to take a photo and it didn’t nearly look as delicious as yours! thank you!
Thank you so much Christie! xTieghan
I just made this tonight and it turned out PERFECT! I used a dutch oven on the stove top and 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 pond of spicy Italian sausage! After making this recipe, I texted my mom and told her we will be having this on Christmas Eve! Thank you!!
Amazing! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Allison! xTieghan
I made this for dinner last night, and everyone loved it! It was so flavorful and delicious! Will make again! In fact my husband asked if this recipe could be made every week!
Wow yes!! I am so happy this recipe turned out so well for you, Mary! xTieghan
Wow! We had this tonight and it was an absolute hit. Used the stovetop directions and had to leave it uncovered for 30 mins after simmering for 3 hours. Was the best bolognese we have ever had. Thanks Tieghan 😊
Wow that is so amazing! Thank you so much Chantel! xTieghan
Made this tonight! OH MY GOD! So good!
Thank you so much Ashley!! xTieghan
The bolognese is great but seems like it would be better suited as a lasagne filling with tons of cheese!! I gave it 4 stars because I did the stove top instructions and it took FOREVER to cook down. I had to remove the lid and cook down at a higher temp for over an hour.
I am really glad this ended up turning out really well for you, Emilie! Thank you! xTieghan
What’s your opinion on using lamb instead? Any modifications??
Hey Seema,
So sorry I have not tested this recipe with lamb. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this yesterday on the stove top (started too late for slow cooker) and it was SO GOOD. But you absolutely cannot eat this without the bread crumbs! I cut out the carrots though because I hate them so so much 😉
I am really glad this recipe turned out well for you, Katie! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
This is on my stove now. Tastes amazing already , can’t wait for dinner!
Thank you Janet! xTieghan
This was absolutely amazing! Cooking the meat and then slow cooking really brings out the depth of flavors. We doubled the recipe so we could freeze some for later. Will definitely make this again and again.
Love that! Thank you so much Kim! xTieghan
We ate this for 3 days. And every day, it got better and better! I made some crusty, pull apart sourdough garlic bread. I meeeeean.. nothings better on a cold, wet, Ohio night! XO
Yes! This sounds amazing for a night like that! Thank you for trying it, Michelle! xTieghan
My first homemade sauce recipe and delicious!!
Wow so happy to hear that! Thank you Jessica! xTieghan
Hi: Looks delicious. I don’t eat bacon or sausage. Can I sub the sausage with more chicken or is that too much ground chicken?
Hey Laura,
That would be totally fine! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Tieghan, this was the first of your recipes I tried and it was sooo good. We loved it even more the next day. Provided several lunches for me. Def. a keeper!
Love to hear that! Thank you so much LaDonna! xTieghan
this recipe is in my instant pot now and i’m really looking forward to trying it! just as a note i had to move it from my relatively good sized slow cooker into the instant pot (using the slow cook setting) because it was just too much volume. it is a very large recipe!
Thank you so much Barb! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Delicious. Made it in the instant pot with chicken sausage and ground chicken. Used a fruity red (Kosh Cab) because it’s what we had on hand, and extra garlic because that’s our MO. Loved it. Great depth of flavor!! Will make again. ❤️
I am so happy this recipe turned out so well for you, Emily! Thank you!! xTieghan
Loved everything about the recipe but next time I’m going to use only a 3rd of the wine in this recipe and probably cook it on the stove instead of the instant pot so that the alcohol can cook off. It left a really strong flavor that overwhelmed the dish. Otherwise this was a really delicious and nourishing meal that is great for getting protein and iron into your diet at the end of the day. Just less wine lol.
Hi Josey! I am really glad this turned out well for you! I hope its even better next time! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
My first time making Bolognese sauce. I loved the bread crumbs for the toppings for the dish!
Thank you so much Erin! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I made the sauce in my Dutch oven and it was delicious! I was going to take a picture but my family ate it up before I could! The breadcrumbs made the meal. This recipe will be on rotation for our Sunday family dinners. Thank you!!
I love that this turned out so well for you, Debbie! Thank you so much for trying them! xTieghan
Hi! this is the first recipe I’m trying from your page…there are no details about noodle or bread crumb prep? Just wanted to mention as a novice it’s helpful to have these details. Thank you.
Hey Harlow,
Sorry if you missed these steps, but the breadcrumbs instructions are listed in step 4 and noodles in step 5. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Not sure if I didn’t use enough tomato paste, or omitted the bacon, or if it’s because I used turkey vs beef, but mine came out pretty light in color and really soupy. The flavor is delicious… I am going to try cooking the liquid off, but curious if the use of turkey and not using bacon would cause it to lack in color. Thanks in advance!
Hey Brooklyn,
So sorry you did not enjoy the recipe, these adjustments could have made the difference, did you adjust any of the sauce? I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Do you need water for the slow cooker version? Please respond if possible! Would love to make this today – looks delicious!
Hey Kim,
Nope, no water needed. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This came out great! And even better the next day. I used my slow cooker and cooked on low for 6 hours, would do a bit long next time but ran out of time. In response to other reviews, I personally thought it was the perfect amount of wine, it definitely added a layer of flavor without being wine-forward. I didn’t need to add any more liquid, cooked it on high uncovered for half hour at the end like the recipe recommended to thicken up. Loved it!
Thank you so much Chelsea! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Currently simmering in the slow cooker now and it smells so good! … I do see it makes a lot! How long would you say this is good for in the fridge for leftovers?
Hey Meghan,
I would say 3-4 days or you can freeze the sauce. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this today was delicious. Thank you.
The spicy chicken sausage gives a real kick to your butt!
Great Election Day food to enjoy.
Colleen 11/3/2020
Thank you so much Colleen! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I have been trialed 3-4 different bolognese recipes over 3 years now, and this one takes the cake! I did not do the bread crumbs (which now I’m sure would have made it 10 stars), but it was delicious! I doubled the batch and can’t wait to make lasagna with this. Worth it on every level!
Wow that is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, April!! xTieghan
Omg another one, scored high in my house
Wow yes! I am really happy you all enjoyed this one, Kathy! xTieghan
Ok- this is one to save! Love how I was able to slightly modify it for my family’s taste. I’m totally not Italian… never had a Sunday sauce or gravy. However. I married an Italian so knew I had to have a recipe to impress! I did everything almost exactly to what the recipe called for except skipped the carrots and celery, one can of crushed tomatoes and one of tomato puree, and did ground beef and ground chicken. Let it go for about 3 hours on the stove top and definitely do the bread crumbs!! They were more like croutons for me but so.so.good. As mentioned this makes a lot so I froze a bunch. Love it love it and so did my hubby and 3 year old daughter. Thx for the fab recipe!
Hi!
Any substitute for the wine?
Hey Dee,
You can use beef broth in place of the wine. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Amazing flavor. So rich and delicious!
Thank you so much Dominique! xTieghan
Made this dish 2 nights ago….My family loved it! Had plenty of leftovers for another meal last night and then some for the freezer. Delish!! I used ground venison and pork sausage. Yum!! Even made the breadcrumbs with some old bagels and regular bread (no sourdough on hand) and my boys gobbled it all up. The breadcrumbs were a new addition for us and it really brought something to the dish. This will definitely be made again!!
I am so happy this recipe turned out so well for you, Penelope! Thank you so much for trying this one! xTieghan
Could you use Italian pork sausage rather than chicken?
Hey Katie,
Yes that would be great! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Delicious!! I made this on a “stay at home Saturday” and it was delicious. Watched some football and cooked the meal. I added in a bit of my own spices, using red pepper flakes in the sauce and it was delicious! I will definitely recommend this recipe and I will make it again!
Love that!! Thank you so much Emma! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This looks delicious!! If I were to increase the recipe by 1.5x, will a 9×13 dish be large enough? Thanks so much!!
Hey Wendy,
So sorry I do not think that will be large enough. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
This looks delicious. I can’t wait to make it.
My husband and I cannot have red wine. What would you recommend I use instead.
Hey Jane,
I would use beef broth in place of the wine. I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions and Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Easy, tasty, comforting, delicious, belly warming! I halved the recipe using 1 lb beef and beef stock instead of wine. Thank you for inspiring me to try new recipes, cooking methods, and having fun in the kitchen!
Thank you for trying this one Thy!! I am really glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Made this a few weeks ago in my slow cooker, and it is terrific! Had lots left over, so I froze it for later. Well, it appears later has already passed, as we ate the last container of it this week! I also froze the breadcrumbs/parmesan mixture and it was also great!
The only thing I did different was to substitute the chicken sausage with pork sausage, then drain the excess fat before it went into the slow cooker.
Hey Mary,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I make this one in the slow cooker, doubling the quantities to freeze some for a quick last minute use dinner if needed. It is such a delicious meat sauce – I often use it to make lasagna and always get the biggest compliments about it!
Hey Anso,
Thank you so very much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it worked out for you! Happy New Year! xTieghan
This dish was absolutely delicious. I shared with my daughter and she texted immediately saying it was “restaurant worthy!” Love all of your recipes I have tried.
Hey Colleen,
Thank you so much for making the recipe. I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This was absolutely delicious! So flavor packed!! I shared with my daughter and she texted immediately saying “restaurant worthy!” I have loved all the recipes I have tried and look forward to trying many more.
Hey Colleen,
Thank you so much for making the recipe. I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
It’s a rainy cold day here in Arizona, a perfect Sunday for this recipe and it did not disappoint! We loved it and I can’t wait to serve it to our Italian friends, the breadcrumbs put it over the top, I love the little extra touches you add. This is the second recipe of yours that I’ve made in a week and I’m already earmarking future recipes.
Thanks Tieghan!
Hey Natalie,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have the best week. xTieghan
This meal is simple, delicious and will WOW your dinner guests. I’ve never been to Italy, but I swear this recipe transported me there, even just in my imagination.
Hey Kelsey,
Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a go, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
This was delicious! Loved the breadcrumbs don’t skip this step!
Hey Anglea,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! Happy Valentine’s Day❤️ xTieghan
What would be the best substitute wine for the Sangiovese? I have Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
Also, does it make a huge difference if we use Italian store bought breadcrumbs?
Thank you!
Hey Carol,
I would use Cabernet and totally fine to use store bought breadcrumbs. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I really wanted to love this but I think there was too much basil and oregano. I would cut down by at least half. otherwise i feel like it would have been a great recipe.
Hey Donna,
So sorry you did not enjoy, thanks for giving the recipe a try! xTieghan
This is my new favorite easy Italian dish. I’ve made it in slow cooker and on the stove. Both were amazing and made delicious leftovers. The rigatoni is a must! My husband and I love to top it with ricotta cheese. Make this ASAP!!! Comforting and hearty dish.
Hey Kali,
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a go! I am thrilled it was enjoyed. xTieghan
Hi! I am making this on Monday! What bread would you recommend serving it with? You said crusty bread so I am guessing your garlic pull apart breads may not be the best? Thats what I had in mind but wanted to see what you thought. I’ve made your beer bread before and while i LOVE it, I think it may not be quite right for pasta!? But I’m not the professional! You are! Looking forward to your thoughts.
Hey Jen,
I think the garlic pull apart bread would be fantastic! I hope you love the recipe:) xTieghan
Made this, and it was great!
Hey Julie,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend☀️ xTieghan
Made this two weekends ago and it was delicious! Froze the leftovers and then used them today with the lasagna roll ups. Soooooooo good! Thank you!
Hey Mari,
I am absolutely delighted that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for making it! Have the best week☀️ xTieghan
I noticed there’s a cheese rind in one of the pictures but it’s not in the recipe? Should I add at the beginning ?
Hey Kelly,
You can add a cheese rind to the sauce if you want! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this in the slow cooker and it was amazing. Yielded enough to freeze for two other meals which I love. I would definitely make this sauce again.
Hey Miranda,
Awesome!! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a go! xTieghan