This crowd-pleasing Italian pot roast takes the idea of low-and-slow cooking to a whole new level. The fork-tender meat is braised in a rich sauce of red wine and fragrant Italian seasoning for an easy cozy meal that can be made in advance.

The perfect comfort food does exist and it’s called Italian Pot Roast. This recipe features melt-in-your-mouth chuck roast that is simmered in a slow cooker with a red wine and herb-infused vegetable sauce that is absolutely dreamy on those chilly days when hearty meals are a must.

You will love how quickly this soothing dish comes together. Simply brown the meat, sauté the veggies, deglaze the pan, and then place everything in the slow cooker to tenderize the pot roast. Everyone needs a few good comfort food recipes for when they’re craving something cozy, and this slow cooker pot roast has got you covered.

What is Italian Pot Roast?

Slow roasted meats are a tradition in just about every country, and Italians call their “Italian Pot Roast” Stracotta. The difference between Italian Pot Roast and other roasts is the addition of red wine and native Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. In this recipe, an Italian herb blend is used to capture the essence of Italy’s enchanting countryside cuisine.

How to Make It

1. Brown the beef. Season the meat and sear on both sides until a golden brown crust forms. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the veggies. In the skillet over medium heat, add the butter and cook the aromatics until tender.
3. Deglaze. Add the Italian seasoning and flour, followed by the red wine. Whisk in the stock, tomato paste, capers, and vinegar. Simmer to reduce then add the liquids to the slow cooker. 
4. Slow cook. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. 
5. Serve and savor! Shred or slice the fork tender meat and serve with the savory juice drizzled over top.

Ingredients

• Boneless Beef Chuck Roast –  Chuck roast is one of the best meats for braising because it is nicely marbled and all of that flavor-rich fat creates a warming broth that tenderizes the meat as it breaks down. 
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder – Essential pantry seasonings to bring out the flavors in the chuck roast.
• Cooking oil – Use a neutral oil like grapeseed, vegetable, or avocado oil when making a roast.
• Unsalted Butter – Always go with unsalted butter so this dish doesn’t get too salty.
• Yellow Onion, Carrots, Garlic – Sautéing mild yellow onion with carrots and minced garlic creates a savory aromatic base. 
• Italian seasoning – Herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary are the foundation of Italian seasoning. Use store bought or homemade to season the chuck roast.
• All-Purpose Flour – Nothing fancy in this Italian pot roast recipe, just old fashioned all-purpose flour. You can also swap for gluten-free flour.
• Red Wine – Rich red wines like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel are the best red wines to slow cook beef. Select a bottle you really like so that you can enjoy a glass with dinner.  
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock – To create just the right consistency for the pot roast to braise in.
• Tomato Paste – To thicken the sauce and help coat the roasting meat.
• Capers – Capers are tangy and briny, and add their boldness to the sauce in this slow cooker pot roast.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Red wine vinegar tenderizes meat and adds a touch of tanginess to the beef roast. A basic red wine vinegar from your local store will work.

Make Ahead

Italian pot roast can be made the day before you want to ‘wow’ your friends and family with this super satisfying meal. Allow the meat and sauce to cool completely before storing in the fridge in an airtight container, and then reheat in the oven at 350 degrees when you’re ready to serve.

How to Store

Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to freeze this meal, follow the recipe as written, but let all ingredients cool completely (out of the skillet) and combine them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 4 months. Print and attach the label below so cooking instructions are ready when you are!

Tips

• Chuck roast is filled with flavorful fat. To ensure the sauce has just the right consistency, skim the fat from the surface as the roast cooks.
• Don’t skip the searing. Getting a good sear on the chuck roast develops a nice crust around the meat, which builds layers of savory flavor.

Variations

• Add pancetta – Add chopped pancetta to the pan when you sauté the vegetables for a luxuriously rich sauce that’s brimming with extra flavor.
• Use a different meat – Try brisket or rump roast if beef chuck roast isn’t available.

FAQs

More Slow Cooker Classics

• Slow Cooker Classic Beef Chili
• Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Biscuits
• Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate