This Italian-Style Pot Roast brings a delicious Italian twist to the traditional pot roast, simmering tender beef in a rich tomato-based sauce with herbs, garlic, and vegetables. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is packed with flavors of Italy, perfect for a comforting dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Serve with crusty bread, polenta, or pasta to soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pot Roast
- Tender and Flavorful: Slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender with deep, rich flavors.
- Herb-Infused: Italian herbs like rosemary, oregano, and basil give the dish a fragrant, savory aroma.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: This hearty meal is ideal for Sunday dinners or special gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb chuck roast or beef shoulder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth or red wine (for extra depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Directions
- Sear the Roast: Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Build the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or red wine), tomato paste, oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Stir to combine, then return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours on the stovetop, or place in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). The pot roast is done when the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the roast from the pot and slice or shred it as desired. Serve the meat with the sauce and vegetables over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings)
Tips for Perfect Italian-Style Pot Roast
- Use Fresh Herbs: For a more vibrant flavor, use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme if you have them.
- Add Depth with Wine: A cup of red wine can replace some of the broth for a deeper, richer sauce.
- Let it Rest: Letting the roast rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain the juices.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Serve with Polenta: Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the flavors of the pot roast sauce.
- Gnocchi or Pasta: Serve over gnocchi or pasta for a hearty Italian meal.
- Add Bell Peppers: For a sweeter flavor, add sliced bell peppers to the vegetables in the sauce.
Description
This Italian-Style Pot Roast is a mouthwatering twist on a classic dish, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with Italian herbs and vegetables. The result is a tender, flavorful pot roast that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or polenta to soak up the savory sauce and enjoy a true taste of Italy at home.
