Name: Italian Pot Roast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 ounces bacon (or pancetta), diced (optional); 3 pounds beef (such as chuck), cut into 3 large pieces; 1 cup onion, diced; 1 cup carrot, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups beef broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano); 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 36 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, soul-soothing meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Italian Pot Roast Recipe. This isn’t your average pot roast—it’s tender beef slowly cooked in a rich, tomato-infused sauce layered with classic Italian herbs, making every bite a cozy celebration of comfort food done right. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through this fan-freaking-tastic recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich, Deep Flavor: The combination of bacon, herbs, and slow-simmered tomatoes creates a savory sauce that’s downright addictive.
Tender, Fall-Apart Beef: Low and slow cooking turns chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth perfection every time.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the oven, stovetop, or slow cooker, this recipe adapts without compromising flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples and fresh aromatics make this approachable even if you’re short on time or ingredients.

Italian Pot Roast, Italian Pot Roast Recipe, hearty Italian beef stew, Italian beef slow cooker, rustic Italian meat dish - The image shows a large white pot filled with a rich, dark brown stew with four large pieces of browned, cooked meat sitting on top, surrounded by a thick red sauce mixed with small chunks of orange carrots and lighter-colored vegetables. The inside walls of the pot have some sauce stains, and the pot handles are red. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in crafting a classic Italian flavor profile with a comforting twist. Together, they build layers of richness without overwhelming your taste buds. And heads up—choosing the right cut of beef and quality herbs will make a noticeable difference.

Italian Pot Roast, Italian Pot Roast Recipe, hearty Italian beef stew, Italian beef slow cooker, rustic Italian meat dish - Flat lay of diced fresh bacon cubes, three large raw beef chuck pieces with visible marbling, a small mound of coarse sea salt and cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of diced white onion, a small white bowl of diced orange carrot, a small white bowl of diced celery stalks, a small white bowl with chopped fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl of crushed bright red tomatoes, fresh green thyme sprigs, fresh rosemary sprigs, a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, and two fresh green bay leaves arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon (or pancetta): Adds smoky depth and renders delicious fat for searing the beef.
Beef chuck: Perfect for slow cooking—well-marbled and full of flavor.
Onion, carrot, celery (the soffritto): This Italian trinity builds a fragrant and slightly sweet foundation.
Garlic: Brings warmth and pungency, balancing the tomatoes.
Red pepper flakes: Just a hint adds lively heat without overpowering the dish.
Beef broth: Intensifies the meaty flavor and keeps things moist during cooking.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides acidity and sweetness to round out the sauce beautifully.
Thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves: Classic herbs that evoke the Italian countryside, ensuring authentic aroma and taste.
Salt and pepper: The finish line—season to your liking to tie everything together.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Italian Pot Roast Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to swap out herbs or add your favorite veggies to make it feel more “you.”

Variation: Sometimes I throw in a couple of mushrooms for an earthier twist—adds a nice depth of flavor and texture that’s unexpected but fantastic.
Dietary tweaks: You can skip the bacon to keep it leaner and use vegetable broth for a lighter broth base; still delicious.
Spice it up: If you love some heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce after it’s cooked.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Render the Bacon and Brown the Beef

Start by cooking the diced bacon in a heavy oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. This step is crucial—it releases fat that’ll add so much flavor. Once crispy, set the bacon aside but keep all those yummy drippings in the pan. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper, then brown them in the bacon fat over medium-high heat. This takes about 4-6 minutes per side, and you want a beautiful golden crust. Trust me, resist the urge to move the meat around too much—let it form that crust. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base With Veggies

Next, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery to the hot pan. Stir occasionally and cook until they’re softened and starting to color, about 7-10 minutes. This soffritto is what gives your pot roast that signature Italian depth. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just a minute until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn or it’ll get bitter!

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Herbs, Return Beef to the Pot

Now pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in your thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and drop in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine, then carefully nestle your seared beef back into the sauce. Don’t forget to add that crispy bacon back in, too—all those flavors meld beautifully during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender, Tender Perfection

You have options here! You can:

Bring it all to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-4 hours on the stovetop, checking occasionally.
Transfer the covered pot to a preheated 275°F (140°C) oven and cook for 2-4 hours until it’s so tender the beef falls apart with a fork.
Or move everything to a slow cooker and set it on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours.

Whichever method you pick, that low slow heat breaks down the connective tissue, creating that fork-tender texture and thick, rich sauce.

Step 5: Season and Serve

As it finishes cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving—nobody needs a surprise leaf in their bite! Now dig in and enjoy the fruit of your patience and love.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush Browning: Taking time to get a good crust on the beef develops richer flavors and beautiful color in your sauce.
Low and Slow is Key: Patience pays off—the longer you cook at a gentle heat, the more tender and flavorful the roast becomes.
Reserve the Bacon Drippings: Using the rendered bacon fat to brown your meat adds incredible smoky notes.
Check Liquid Levels: If your sauce thickens too much during cooking, add a splash more broth or water to keep things saucy and prevent burning.

How to Serve Italian Pot Roast Recipe

Italian Pot Roast, Italian Pot Roast Recipe, hearty Italian beef stew, Italian beef slow cooker, rustic Italian meat dish - A white bowl filled with a thick red-brown stew containing several large pieces of cooked beef. The beef pieces have a firm texture with some visible fibers, and they are sitting partially submerged in the rich sauce that has visible chunks of orange carrots and small bits of herbs and onions. The dish is garnished with small green herb leaves scattered over the top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a sprig of green rosemary nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this Italian Pot Roast Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness—plus a little grating of Parmesan cheese never hurts to bring some salty richness. Sometimes, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving adds that silky touch.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up every last drop of the sauce. For veggie sides, roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served the Italian pot roast over cheesy risotto with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top—it’s always a hit! Or try spooning it into freshly baked bread bowls for a cozy, rustic feel that impresses guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Italian Pot Roast Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually keep mine for up to 3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long because it reheats so well. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pot roast! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags with plenty of sauce to keep it moist. When properly wrapped, it keeps well for up to 3 months. I’ve found freezing works best if you plan to slow-thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but slow reheating preserves the tender texture best.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for the Italian Pot Roast Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or even round roast. Just expect differences in texture and possibly the cooking time—it may take longer for leaner cuts to become tender.
Is it necessary to include bacon in this recipe?

The bacon adds a beautiful smoky richness, but if you prefer to omit it or keep the recipe lean, you can skip it without losing the essence of the dish. Just use a tablespoon of olive oil for searing instead and consider adding a small smoked paprika pinch to mimic that flavor.
Can I prepare this Italian Pot Roast Recipe in a pressure cooker?

Yes! Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time. Brown the meat as usual, then cook under high pressure for about 60-75 minutes, followed by a natural release. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and adjust seasoning afterward.
What should I serve with Italian Pot Roast?

This pot roast pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple roasted vegetable or fresh green salad will round out the meal and add a bright contrast to the rich beef.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pot Roast Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s reliably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. I love how every step gently builds flavor, and each bite makes the wait totally worthwhile. Give it a try—I’m betting it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!