Italian Pot Roast

For this Italian pot roast recipe, we add beef chuck along with hearty vegetables and bright herbs to a slow cooker, then finish the dish with a deep red wine. The pot roast takes only 20 minutes to prep and the slow cooker does the rest of the work as the meat stews for hours and becomes fork-tender. This recipe pair deliciously with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes or pasta.

Italian Pot Roast Ingredients

• Beef: We use beef chuck for this Italian pot roast because it becomes perfectly tender and delicious after a few hours.
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, onions and garlic infuse aromatic flavors.
• Spices: Sprinkle salt, dried basil, dried oregano and pepper into this recipe to enhance the taste of the Italian pot roast.
• Cornstarch: Create a cornstarch slurry with water and add it to the recipe to thicken this stew.

Directions

Step 1: Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker

Cut the beef chuck so that it fits in a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, onions, wine, salt, basil, oregano, garlic and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the ingredients in the slow cooker

Cover the pot and cook on low for five to six hours or until the meat is tender. Remove the meat, place it on a serving platter and keep it warm.

Skim the fat from the cooking juices and then transfer the sauce to a small pan. Combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the pan, bring everything to a boil and stir until thickened, about two minutes. Serve this gravy over the meat.

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Italian Pot Roast Variations

• Get creative with the wine: If you pour in pinot noir, you’ll add fruity notes to this recipe; if you pour in cabernet sauvignon, you’ll add deep and rustic flavors.
• Add fresh herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to enhance the flavors of this Italian pot roast.
• Make it spicy: Add Calabrian chili paste to this stew if you prefer bites with a bit more heat.

How to Store Italian Pot Roast

Allow your Italian pot roast to cool and come to room temperature. Then, divide it into smaller portions and store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers for three to four days.

Can you make this recipe for Italian pot roast ahead of time?

This pot roast is ideal for meal prep or for a special dinner party. Follow the recipe, store it in the refrigerator for three to four days and reheat it once you’re ready to eat.

Can you freeze this pot roast?

You can freeze this Italian pot roast recipe for two to three months. Storing it in a large freezer-friendly bag makes it easier to reheat the stew. You can pop it in the oven and heat it through when it’s time to eat.

Italian Pot Roast Tips

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What other kinds of meat can you use to make pot roast?

Although there are many options to choose from, the best cut of meat for this recipe is a classic chuck roast. You can also use something from the same cost bracket, such as tri-tip roast, top round roast or bottom round roast. When it comes to cooking meats in the slow cooker, cheaper is often better: The more expensive and tender cuts can turn out tough and chewy with prolonged cooking.

What other vegetables can I add to this pot roast?

You can add plenty of vegetables to make this pot roast even more hearty. Try mixing in root vegetables like butternut squash, potatoes or turnips.

What can I serve alongside this roast?

This Italian pot roast shines atop creamy polenta, mashed potatoes or pasta. You can also eat it on its own since it’s very hearty.