Description
Succulent Tuscan-style slow-cooked beef roast delivers rich, aromatic flavors straight from Italian countryside kitchens. Hearty herbs, tender meat, and rustic charm invite you to savor a classic Mediterranean culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 3.4 pounds beef chuck roast
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 2/3 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat the beef roast with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage of all surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden-brown crust by searing the roast on each side. Carefully transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring and cooking for approximately 2 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
- Deglaze the skillet with red wine or beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized bits from the bottom. Pour this flavorful liquid over the roast in the slow cooker.
- Add remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs including rosemary, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves to create a rich braising liquid.
- Gently nestle carrots and potatoes around the roast, allowing them to absorb the savory cooking juices during the long, slow cooking process.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on low setting for 8-10 hours, until the beef becomes extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Discard the bay leaves to prevent any bitter taste. Slice or shred the beef, then plate with the vegetables and pour the luxurious cooking sauce over the top.
Notes
- Searing the roast creates a flavorful crust that locks in juices and adds depth to the overall taste profile.
- Deglazing the skillet captures all the caramelized bits, which are packed with concentrated flavor and enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or bottom round for maximum tenderness and succulent results.
- Substitute root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for carrots to add variety and different nutritional benefits.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.
- Reduce cooking time to 6-7 hours if using a smaller roast or prefer slightly firmer meat texture.
- Trim excess fat before cooking to control dish’s overall fat content and improve lean protein ratio.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 34
- Calories: 351
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 134 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg