Italian Roast Beef: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe (2024)

Published: Aug 27, 2023 · Modified: Jan 29, 2024 by Angela Paris · 4 Comments
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Italian Roast Beef with root vegetables with just the right amount of Italian seasoning is simple to make in the slow cooker. Meals that are quick and easy but don't skimp on flavor are my favorite!

Italian Roast Beef is one of my favorite meals to make for Sunday dinner. It's so homey and comforting. This recipe is kind of awesome, if I do say so myself! The secret shortcut is using an Italian dressing packet and a few other seasonings to add loads of great flavor.

Plus, who doesn't love leftover pot roast? they make fantastic italian roast beef sandwiches!

What cut of beef is best for slow cooking?

This meal starts with a good piece of beef, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Choosing the right pieces of meat is the most important part of making any kind of pot roast. The best cuts of beef for slow cooking are

• chuck roast - the classic choice for pot roast because of it's rich beef flavor
• top round roast - economical and full flavored cuts
• rump roast, also known as bottom round roast - is lean and inexpensive

Do you add water to Crock Pot roast?

The slow cooker is exceptional at trapping steam from the food to cook it slowly and helps keep the roast tender.

This Italian Roast Beef recipe calls for water to help balance the concentrated flavors of the Italian seasoning packet, but if you prefer, you can use beef broth, red wine or even caned French Onion soup.

However, please note that it does not matter if the roast is covered with liquid. If you choose the right cut of beef, you will have a tender succulent roast where the meat falls apart.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this family favorite recipe:

• bottom round OR top round roast
• carrots
• large Red Bliss or Yukon Gold potatoes
• dry Italian dressing packed (use my Homemade Italian Seasoning!)
• fresh garlic
• dried oregano
• Worcestershire sauce
• onion
• kosher salt and black pepper
• fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary for garnish

If you choose to sear your beef roast (recommended!) you will also need a canola or vegetable oil.

Do you sear a roast before cooking?

Searing a beef roast is not a required step for this slow cooker recipe, but one that I highly recommend. It improves the flavor of the beef and creates a caramelized exterior on the roast.

How to Sear a Roast

1. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat - I like to use a cast iron skillet for this.
3. Season beef with salt and pepper all over just before you put it into the pan.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil - it has a higher smoke point than olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmers in the pan, add the roast.
5. Let the beef sear and don't move it for at least 2 minutes. If the beef doesn't easily release from the pan, let it cook a little longer.
6. Adjust your temperature as needed, and add additional oil if the pan is too dry.
7. Continue searing the roast one side at a time until all sides are browned.
8. Remove the beef from the skillet and set into the slow cooker.
9. To deglaze the pan - get all the flavorful bits off the bottom - pour 1 cup of beef broth, red wine, or water into the pan.
10. As the liquid begins to bubble and boil, gentle scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
11. After a couple of minutes, remove the pan from the heat and add the liquid to the slow cooker.
12. At this point, I like to return the pan to the stove top and reduce the heat to medium. If you are short on time, you can skip this step.
13. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the chopped onion. Cook until they are translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
14. Add the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Instructions

Here's how to make our crock pot Italian pot roast:

1. Lay the beef in the bottom of your slow cooker and cut small slits into it with a sharp knife.
2. Layer the chopped potatoes and baby carrots around the sides of the roast.
3. In a medium bowl, add the water and all seasonings and whisk together.
4. Pour over the roast and veggies.
5. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

How to Make Homemade Gravy

To make a gravy with the juices leftover in the slow cooker, you will need flour and beef broth.

1. Add the juices to a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook until smooth.
3. After that, whisk in 1 cup broth and cook until it thickens.

Dutch Oven Method

This italian pot roast recipe can also be made in a large dutch oven. After searing, place the Dutch oven with the lid into a 400F oven and cook for 1 hour. Reduce the heat too 300F and cook for an additional 3 hours.

Cook time may vary depending on the size of the roast.

Serving Suggestions

If you cook your Italian-style pot roast with potatoes and carrits, you have an all-in-one meal that needs nothing more than a light salad or warm dinner rolls. However, you can also make it without the vegetables and serve it instead with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. It's also delicious with brown sugar sweet potatoes.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

Use leftover pot roast to make my favorite Beef Pot Pie Recipe!

You can also make delicious sandwiches. Grab some hoagie rolls and layer them with leftover Italian beef, provolone cheese, and pepperoncini peppers. These are fantastic on game day!

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Next time, try one of our other delicious recipes also made in the crock pot:

• Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
• Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
• Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
• Beef Tips and Gravy.
• Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Apples

Easy Slow Cooker Italian Roast Beef Recipe

Meal Planning

Want to add this Italian beef recipe to your meal plan? Download our free printable meal plan here.

This recipe is included in Meal Plan 36 along with:

• homemade Italian meatballsandtomato sauce
• turkey sheet pan dinner
• crispy roasted sweet potatoes
• 40 clove garlic chicken
• apple danishes
• chicken tortilla soup
• meatball calzones

... and more!

Be sure to check out all our meal plan ideas here.