Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Name: Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 435 min
Total time: 450 min
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds chuck roast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 28 ounces low-sodium beef broth; 0.87 ounce packet low-sodium brown gravy mix; 0.7 ounce packet Italian salad dressing mix; 1 tablespoon dried minced onion; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; Filling/Base Options: pasta, rice, mashed potatoes

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This comforting Slow Cooker Italian Beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and prepped in just 15 minutes for a family favorite dinner. With just seven ingredients, it's an Italian pot roast recipe I've been perfecting for years.

Italian pot roast and noodles with asparagus.

If you're looking for a dinner that tastes as delicious as the way it smells cooking all day in the kitchen, make this Slow Cooker Italian Beef! It's an incredibly quick dinner to put together in the Crockpot, and as it cooks, the beef becomes incredibly juicy and tender.

The finished product is super versatile in how it can be served. It's incredible over mashed potatoes, rice, or on a toasted cheesy hoagie buns! We love having ours folded with low-carb Al Dente Carba Nada Noodles!

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Crockpot cooking is my go-to, easy weeknight meal prep plan! If you love crockpot beef recipes, you have to try my Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast that can be served as French Dip Sandwiches!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Easy to Prepare: It’s a SUPER easy dinner recipe with simple ingredients!
Comfort Food: It’s an excellent comfort food meal that is also versatile!
Great Flavors: This crock pot recipe is packed full of amazing flavors from the sear of the beef and the brown gravy and Italian Dressing mix!
Slow Cooker Meal: It’s an excellent set-it and forget-it dinner! The leftover Italian beef is a great way to prep ahead of time for lunches and dinners for the week!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Boneless Chuck Roast: Known for its rich, beefy flavor, this roast absorbs all the yummy flavors and becomes incredibly tender.
Olive Oil (optional): Contributes to the rich and savory flavors of caramelizing the beef.
Tomato Sauce: Adds acidity and richness to the dish and contributes to its saucy consistency.
Regular or Low Sodium Beef Broth (or beef stock): Adds richness and depth of flavor to the cooking liquid, which eventually becomes part of the sauce.
Brown Gravy Mix: A blend of savory spices that adds richness to the dish. It also acts as a thickening agent and helps develop an incredible sauce.
Italian Salad Dressing Mix (Good Seasons): A mixture of herbs and spices that adds an abundance of flavor to this dish.
Dried Minced Onion and Garlic Powder: Onion and garlic provides a savory base and contributes aromatic and earthy notes to the dish.

Ingredients to make a slow cooker Italian beef recipe.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

What cut of beef is best for Slow Cooker Italian Beef?

A chuck roast is my favorite cut to use in this recipe. It comes from the shoulder area of a cow. It is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, especially when cooked slowly. It’s a popular choice for pot roasts, stews, and braised dishes because it contains a good amount of marbling, which adds moisture and flavor during cooking.

Other slow cooked beef cuts that can be suitable alternatives for chuck roast are bottom round roast, top sirloin roast or chuck eye roast. Stew meat can also be used.

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet on high heat. Season roast on both sides with salt and pepper and sear 2-3 minutes per side. (Seasoning and searing first is optional.)

To a Crockpot, whisk together tomato sauce, broth, Italian salad dressing mix, brown gravy mix, dried onion, and garlic powder.

Mixing together the sauce ingredients in a crockpot for an Italian roast beef.

Submerge the roast, cover and cook on low 8-10 hours. (The cook time can vary depending on the slow cooker model and cut of meat chosen.)

Once complete, transfer the roast with a slotted spoon to a bowl or plate. Shred, and return to the Crockpot.

Adding cooked shredded beef back to a crockpot.

Serve over mixed with or over pasta. It's also excellent ladled over rice or mashed potatoes.

Tips and Variations

If you prefer a homemade Italian Salad Dressing mix, you can substitute with this blend:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon celery salt, 2 tablespoons salt (or adjust to preference)
If you prefer a homemade Brown Gravy mix, you can substitute 2 Tablespoons of either of these homemade blends. The color will be lighter, but the flavors just as delicious!
- Flour Mix: 3 tablespoons regular or low sodium beef bouillon granules, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
- Cornstarch Mix: 3 tablespoons regular or low sodium beef bouillon granules, 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot), ½ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
If you want to add fresh vegetables, sliced bell peppers, thin slices of fresh onion, and sliced mushrooms are excellent additions while the beef is cooking. Hot peppers, pickled vegetables, or banana peppers can be added during cooking or when ready to serve.
You can serve this tender beef in a variety of ways:
- Over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- In a baked potato
- Served with crusty rolls
- On a toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese
- As an open face sandwich over light bread and mashed potatoes

Why is my pot roast still tough in the Crock Pot?

If your pot roast is turning out tough in the crockpot, there are several potential reasons for this issue.

Not Enough Cooking Time

Pot roasts require a sufficient amount of time to break down the collagen in the meat, which makes it tender. If your roast isn't pull apart beef tender, it may not have cooked long enough. Try extending the cooking time until the meat is easily pierced with a fork.

Incorrect Temperature Setting

Cooking on too high a temperature can cause the meat to cook too quickly, resulting in toughness. Lower the heat to a simmer or low setting and allow for a longer cooking time.

Using Lean Cuts of Meat

Lean cuts of meat, such as sirloin or round, may become tough when slow-cooked. Choose cuts with more marbling or connective tissue, such as chuck roast, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, leading to a more tender result.

Lack of Liquid

Pot roasts need enough liquid to keep them moist and facilitate the breakdown of collagen. Ensure that there is sufficient broth, wine, or other cooking liquids in the crockpot. If the liquid level decreases during cooking, add more as needed.

Not Browning the Meat

While browning the meat before slow-cooking is optional, it can enhance the flavor and texture of the roast. Searing the meat before placing it in the crockpot can help lock in juices and contribute to a more appealing texture.

Overcrowding the Crockpot

Overcrowding the slow cooker can impede the circulation of heat, leading to uneven cooking. Make sure there is enough space for the meat to cook evenly.

Checking Too Frequently

Each time you open the lid of the crockpot, heat is lost, and the cooking process is interrupted. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it can increase the cooking time and result in a tougher roast.

Meat Thickness

If the roast is unevenly thick, it may not cook uniformly. Consider cutting thicker parts to a similar thickness as the thinner sections for more consistent cooking.

Older or Low-Quality Meat

The quality of the meat plays a significant role. Older or low-quality cuts may not become as tender as fresher, higher-quality options.

What to serve with Italian Pot Roast

Slow cooker Italian beef pairs well with many side dishes. Whipped mashed potatoes serve as an excellent base! Scalloped corn is an easy side that pairs well with it's flavors. Honey roasted carrots and Cheesy Potatoes are also excellent additions to this meal!

Storage and Freezing

Once the meat has cooled to room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

FAQs

Do you put water in a crockpot to cook a roast?

It's generally a good idea to include some liquid when cooking a roast in a crockpot. The liquid helps to keep the meat moist and contributes to the development of flavors in the dish. The moisture from the broth and tomato sauce will serve as the liquid source for this recipe.

How long does it take to cook a roast in a crockpot?

The cooking time for a roast in a crockpot depends on various factors, including the size and cut of the roast, the heat setting of the slow cooker, and whether any additional ingredients are included. A beef chuck roast will take about 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

How to make Italian pot roast in the oven?

Whisk together in a small bowl the tomato sauce, beef broth, brown gravy mix, Italian dressing mix, and seasonings. In to a large, oven-safe dish, add the beef (seared or unseared). Pour the tomato mixture on top, and secure TIGHTLY with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake at 325°F for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender.

What kind of roast is best for the slow cooker?

Chuck roast/chuck tender roast or rump roast work best for this recipe. These cuts are typically more affordable and have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I cook this in the slow cooker on the high setting?

If time allows, using the low setting can result in a more tender and flavorful roast. However, when you need a quicker option, cooking on high can still yield a delicious meal. You will likely need to cook on high for 4-5 hours.

Can you overcook a beef roast in the slow cooker?

Yes! Overcooking occurs when the collagen in the meat breaks down excessively, and the meat fibers lose too much structure. The meat may become stringy, dry, and less flavorful. The specific time it takes to overcook a beef roast can vary depending on factors such as the size and thickness of the roast, the cooking temperature, and the cut of meat.

What is the difference between Italian Pot Roast and Yankee Pot Roast?

While both Italian Pot Roast and Yankee Pot Roast share the fundamental concept of slow-cooking beef until tender, they diverge in terms of the specific seasonings, herbs, and regional influences. Tomatoes are often a key ingredient in Italian Pot Roast whereas Yankee Pot Roast incorporates more root vegetables.

Is this recipe the same as a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich?

While both dishes involve beef and have Italian influences, the preparation, presentation, and flavors are distinct. Italian Pot Roast is a slow-cooked, braised dish served with sides, while Italian Beef Sandwiches are a type of sandwich made with seasoned roast beef slices. These sandwiches were made popular in the Chicago area.

Can this Italian beef be made in an instant pot?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe to a crockpot using this recipe. It'll come out super tender and juicy!

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