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Italian Pot Roast

Italian Pot Roast

Italian Pot Roast is a hearty, tender, and aromatic slow-cooked dish combining well-marbled beef chuck roast with savory vegetables, robust Italian herbs, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with deep, complex flavors and a satisfying, wholesome one-pot meal experience.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Searing the Beef: Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season it generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned to lock in juices and develop rich flavor.
  2. Building the Flavor Base: Remove the roast from the pot. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, scraping the bottom to lift browned bits left by the meat, creating a deep flavor foundation.
  3. Deglazing and Adding Liquids: Pour in red wine or a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, stirring to combine and capture caramelized bits. Then add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, stirring everything together thoroughly.
  4. Slow Cooking the Roast: Return the seared beef to the pot. Cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender and sauce has melded into a luscious Italian-style gravy.
  5. Finishing Touches: Once tender, remove the beef and let it rest briefly. Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes if you want it thicker. Slice or shred the roast as preferred and spoon the rich tomato herb sauce over before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality, well-marbled beef chuck roast for the best tenderness and flavor.
  • Don’t skip searing; browning the meat adds depth and locks in juices.
  • Cook low and slow to ensure a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves are key to authentic Italian aroma and taste.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to balance flavors perfectly.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz cooked beef with sauce)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Italian pot roast, slow-cooked beef, Italian herbs, comfort food, hearty dinner