For busy moms like me, finding recipes that are simple to prepare but feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen is a must.
One of my favorite go-to comfort meals is Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast.
It’s savory, tender, and packed with herbs, making it a perfect meal that satisfies the whole family without spending hours standing at the stove.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a home-cooked meal simmering all day, making you excited for dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 6-8 hours; High – 4-6 hours
- Main Ingredients: Chuck roast, mushrooms, onions, rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, garlic, beef broth, red wine vinegar
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Mashed potatoes, roasted Italian vegetables, homemade Italian bread, or rice
Simple Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast
As a busy mom, I rely on meals like this to hit the spot while not demanding too much attention.
When I make this Italian pot roast, I love how easy it is to throw everything together and let the slow cooker do its thing.
This is my take on Italian Pot Roast (stracotto)- the herbs are classic flavors – rosemary, basil, thyme, and oregano. Of course, we don’t skimp on the garlic either.
The chuck roast is a wonderful, inexpensive cut of beef for slow cooking, as it comes out juicy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
After coating the slow cooker with olive oil, I place chopped onions on the bottom and nestle a beautiful chuck roast right on top.
From there, I add in hearty mushrooms and season everything with a generous amount of rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
The best part of this meal is that it’s tender and full of flavor without excessive salt. The salt in the broth brings out the delicious taste of the beef without overpowering the true flavors of the dish.
A splash of beef broth and red wine vinegar adds just the right amount of moisture to braise the meat slowly, infusing every bite with rich flavors.
Yo could use red wine, but I don’t often have it on hand, but red wine vinegar does just the trick!
The slow cooker works its magic for hours, creating a tender, fall-apart roast by the end of the day.
I serve this dish with rice, homemade Italian bread, or roasted potatoes (see down below for more serving suggestions!).
Make A Cornstarch Slurry- Broth Thickener
Are you a fan of roasts that have a thicker broth? That’s how I like my stews and roasts honestly!
Things get juicy in the crockpot, so I make a cornstarch slurry to thicken things up.
When it’s time to serve, I transfer the roast to a dish and use the leftover juices to make a simple cornstarch slurry for gravy.
The sauce thickens quickly, and pouring it over the roast and vegetables elevates this simple dish into something truly satisfying.
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pound chuck roast
- 1/2 onion peeled and chopped
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup cold water
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to the slow cooker to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place the onions on the bottom, topped with the beef, and then pour in the mushrooms.
- Add the rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, pepper, garlic, broth, and vinegar.
- Place the lid and cook on high for 4 - 6 hours (or 6 - 8 hours on low).
- For Cornstarch Slurry:
- Move the beef and mushrooms to a serving dish. Place the juices that remain in the slow cooker into a small pan to be used on the stovetop.
- Heat the juices over medium high heat.
- In a small cup, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Stir well until no lumps remain.
- When the broth mixture is almost simmering, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture. Stir continually until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the gravy over the meat and mushrooms and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up, this recipe is super adaptable. Here are some swaps I recommend trying:
The Meat
While chuck roast is a classic choice for slow cooking, you can easily substitute other cuts of meat for a new twist on this dish.
Brisket is a great option to swap in, as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
For a leaner option, you could even try bottom round roast, which still becomes tender with enough cooking time, though I suggest adding more broth to keep it moist.
If you’re looking for a different meat, pork shoulder also works beautifully in the slow cooker, offering a slightly milder flavor that absorbs the herbs and spices wonderfully.
If you’re in the mood for something closer to beef but not quite, lamb shoulder brings a rich, gamey flavor that pairs nicely with the Italian herbs.
The Veggies
This pot roast keeps it simple with small onions and bits of mushroom, but you can add or remove things as you like.
Another option is to leave out the mushroom if your family prefers, but I promise they blend right it and just add flavor! The texture isn’t too bad when mixed in with the meat.
Like most classic pot roasts, you can also include potatoes and carrots- they’d still taste great with the mushrooms and broth.
You could add a small can of tomatoes. or some tomato paste, to get a light tomato taste that is classic or Italian dishes.
This will actually help make the dish even more tender as the acidity from the tomatoes will help season and tenderize the meat naturally.
The Broth
The beef broth in this recipe is already packed with flavor, but there are ways to elevate it further.
If you enjoy cooking with wine, replacing the vinegar with red wine adds a deeper, more robust flavor to the dish. I get the same taste from the vinegar, and use it because I don’t drink red wine or have it on hand much!
For an extra savory touch, you could substitute part of the broth with beef consommé or bone broth, both of which add richness and extra nutrients for your growing kiddos.
Or for a bit of brightness, a splash of balsamic vinegar can provide a sweet and tangy finish that pairs wonderfully with the savory meat.
Tasty Sides For A Roast
Now, I can have a big bowl of roast and be happy, but my husband likes to add a bit more to make it a full meal for him.
I can’t blame him, especially when it tastes so good with some sides ( I can’t complain!).
Here are some sides you can make and serve with my Italian Pot Roast recipe:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes soak up all the delicious gravy, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Roasted Italian Vegetables – A mix of roasted broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes brings a perfect balance of texture and flavor to complement the tender pot roast.
- Buttered Egg Noodles – Soft, buttery egg noodles provide a simple but hearty side that pairs perfectly with the flavorful roast and gravy.
- Creamy Polenta – Polenta’s smooth and creamy texture adds a subtle, comforting base that enhances the savory flavors of the pot roast.
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, garlic mashed cauliflower offers a creamy, low-carb option that complements the roast’s rich flavors.
- Crusty Homemade Italian Bread – This bread is ideal for soaking up the flavorful juices and gravy, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Parmesan Risotto – Rich and cheesy, Parmesan risotto adds a luxurious side that highlights the Italian flavors in the roast.
- Steamed Green Beans with Butter and Garlic – Fresh green beans with a touch of garlic butter add a crisp, light contrast to the tender, slow-cooked meat.
- Roasted Asparagus – Roasted asparagus brings a slightly charred, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the pot roast.
- Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons – The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty pot roast.
Try Other Roast & Stew Recipes!
In the mood for a different type of roast?
My Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast Copycat Recipe could be right up your alley! Or why not try a twist on the dish and have my Asian Pot Roast this fall?
I also love the classic meat and potatoes and the comfort it gives, so I’ve made other slow cooker recipes to make the best combos, including a lovely beef stew!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like brisket or beef short ribs work great in this recipe. Just keep in mind the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the cut.
How do I prevent my roast from drying out?
The slow cooker usually helps keep moisture in, but if you’re concerned, you can check it around the 6-hour mark. If needed, add a little extra beef broth to keep it tender.
Can I add potatoes or other vegetables to the slow cooker with the roast?
Absolutely! You can add carrots, potatoes, or celery during the last couple of hours of cooking so they don’t become too mushy.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even a bit of lemon juice for acidity.
Can I cook this on high to make it faster?
Yes, cooking it on high for 4-6 hours works well if you need it done faster. However, cooking it low and slow (6-8 hours) yields the most tender results.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, you can count on this slow cooker recipe to be a hit.
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast is one of those classic meals that always delivers on flavor and comfort.
It’s the perfect dish to make when you want something hearty without putting in too much effort.
With its blend of herbs, tender beef, and rich gravy, this recipe is a family favorite that I know I’ll keep making again and again- and so could you!
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