Italian Pot Roast Recipe
Introduction
Italian Pot Roast is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings tender beef and rich tomato flavors together. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this slow-cooked recipe lets the beef melt in your mouth while soaking up aromatic herbs and garlic.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds beef roast
- 2 cups canned tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the beef roast generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Transfer the beef roast to a slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, canned tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with the tomato sauce spooned over the top.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor and vegetables.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter, fresher taste.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the beef once cooked and simmer the sauce on high heat for 10 minutes to reduce.
Storage
Store leftover Italian Pot Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket work best because they become tender during slow cooking.
Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Browning the beef adds extra flavor and texture but is optional. Skipping this step will save time but may result in a less developed taste.
PrintItalian Pot Roast Recipe
This Italian Pot Roast is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked beef dish, infused with the rich taste of tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it results in tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth, complemented by a savory tomato-herb sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 to 4 pounds beef roast (chuck or brisket)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Trim excess fat from the beef roast and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure better browning if desired. Season the roast evenly with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Combine ingredients: Place the beef roast in a slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs on top of the meat, ensuring the flavors will meld during cooking.
- Slow cook the roast: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the roast carefully and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with the tomato and herb sauce spooned over the top, alongside your choice of side dishes such as mashed potatoes or polenta.
Notes
- You can brown the roast in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and color.
- Adjust herbs to taste; fresh herbs can be used but add them toward the end of cooking for best aroma.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
Keywords: Italian pot roast, slow cooker beef, hearty beef dinner, tomato garlic beef, slow cooked Italian roast
