Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Crock Pot Italian Roast is about to become your new favorite go-to meal that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with rich Italian seasonings, slowly simmered to perfection with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef roast by patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better browning and seasoning adherence.
- Season the entire roast generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides of the meat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms. This step helps lock in flavors and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Slice the onion into thin rings and mince the garlic cloves. Spread the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of the crock pot.
- Carefully place the seared roast on top of the onion layer in the crock pot.
- Pour the beef broth and diced tomatoes around the roast, ensuring the liquid surrounds the meat but does not completely cover it.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the roast and around the sides of the meat.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the rich Italian-inspired flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the roast and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Optional: Use the remaining liquid and onions as a delicious sauce to pour over the sliced meat when serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most tender results, opt for chuck roast or bottom round, which have enough marbling to become incredibly tender during slow cooking.
- Searing is Crucial: Don't skip the searing step! This technique locks in flavors and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds depth to your dish.
- Layer Flavors Strategically: Placing onions at the bottom of the crock pot allows them to caramelize and create a flavorful base for your roast.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: While you want moisture, avoid completely submerging the roast. The goal is to create a steamy environment that keeps the meat juicy.
- Resting is Key: Always let your roast rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is supremely tender and flavorful.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This roast tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 387kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
