🍲 Italian Pot Roast (Slow Cooker)
⭐ Ingredients:
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Beef chuck roast – 3–4 lbs (1.5–1.8 kg)
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Olive oil – 2 tbsp
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Onion – 1 large, diced
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Carrots – 3, cut into chunks
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Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
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Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
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Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz / 800 g)
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Beef broth – 1 cup (240 ml)
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Red wine (optional) – 1 cup (240 ml)
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Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
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Italian seasoning – 2 tsp
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Dried thyme – 1 tsp
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Bay leaves – 2
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Salt – 1½ tsp (or to taste)
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Black pepper – 1 tsp
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Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
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Pat the roast dry and season with salt & pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 4–5 minutes per side).
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Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare Vegetables
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In the same skillet, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
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Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
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Transfer vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Add Liquids & Seasonings
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Pour crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using) over the beef.
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Stir in Italian seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, and adjust salt & pepper.
4. Slow Cook
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Cover and cook:
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LOW: 8–9 hours
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HIGH: 4–5 hours
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The beef should be fork-tender.
5. Finish & Serve
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Remove bay leaves and shred the beef with two forks.
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Stir meat back into the sauce.
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Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
🍽️ Chef’s Tips:
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Browning the beef enhances flavor.
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Red wine adds richness, but you can substitute with more broth.
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For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce uncovered for 5–10 minutes after cooking.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I skip searing the beef?
A: Yes, but searing locks in juices and adds deep flavor to the dish.
Q2: What cut of beef is best for pot roast?
A: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Q3: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Absolutely. Use about 3x more fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, basil) than dried.
Q4: Do I need to add wine?
A: No, it’s optional. Substitute with equal beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Q5: How can I thicken the sauce?
A: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir into the sauce at the end, and simmer until thickened.
Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Q7: What side dishes go best with Italian Pot Roast?
A: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, polenta, or crusty Italian bread are perfect sides.