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Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Recipe

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4.3 from 76 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast recipe featuring tender rump or chuck beef roast slow-cooked with garlic, onions, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh rosemary, and aromatic seasonings to create a savory, melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 3 pounds rump or chuck beef roast

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half
  • 1 large onion, cut into wedges

Pantry

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • One 28-ounce can crushed or whole San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the rump or chuck roast and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. Sear the Roast: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef roast and sear it on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the dish.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared roast into the slow cooker. Arrange the halved garlic cloves and onion wedges around and on top of the meat.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour the entire can of crushed or whole San Marzano tomatoes over the roast. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the ingredients.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice or shred the meat as preferred. Spoon the tomato and onion mixture over the top as a flavorful sauce. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, searing the beef roast before slow cooking is recommended, though you can skip this step if short on time.
  • If using whole San Marzano tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a spoon before adding to the slow cooker for a better sauce consistency.
  • This recipe pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well and taste even better the next day as the flavors develop further.