Savory Italian-Style Slow Cooker Beef Roast
Elevate your dinner table with this Savory Italian-Style Slow Cooker Beef Roast, a delightful twist on the classic pot roast. Crafted with aromatic herbs and a zesty onion soup mix, this roast infuses your home with warmth while it slowly cooks to perfection. The robust flavors of oregano, basil, and a hint of cayenne pepper create a symphony of taste, making each bite a savory experience. Perfectly tender and juicy, this dish can be served with a side of mashed potatoes or shredded on fresh crusty buns for a satisfying sandwich. Whether it's a hearty family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this slow cooker beef roast is sure to impress. Prepare it effortlessly in the morning and enjoy the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen all day long. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your palate!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry onion soup mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce envelope)
Paprika
1/4 (teaspoon)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Oregano
1/2 (teaspoon)
Basil
1 (teaspoon)
Chuck roast
2.5-3 (lbs, or your favorite cut)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil, mixing well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
2
Using a fork or knife, pierce the chuck roast all over, allowing the seasonings to penetrate the meat deeply for enhanced flavor.
3
Rub the seasoning mix all over the roast, ensuring it adheres well to the surface.
4
Place the seasoned roast in the crock pot and cover it securely with the lid.
5
Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
6
Once cooked, remove from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
7
Serve hot, optionally on fresh buns or with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Italian-Style Slow Cooker Beef Roast?
It is a flavorful twist on the classic pot roast, featuring aromatic herbs, a zesty onion soup mix, and spices like oregano, basil, and cayenne pepper, slow-cooked until tender.
What ingredients do I need for the seasoning blend?
You will need dry onion soup mix, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends a 2.5 to 3 lb chuck roast, but you can use your favorite cut of beef suitable for slow cooking.
How do I prepare the roast before cooking?
Combine the seasoning spices in a bowl, pierce the roast all over with a fork or knife, and rub the mixture thoroughly into the meat.
How long does the beef roast take to cook?
The roast should be cooked on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours.
Should I cook this on high or low?
This specific recipe recommends cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours to ensure the meat is fork-tender and easy to shred.
Do I need to add water or broth to the crock pot?
The instructions do not call for additional liquid, as the roast will release its own juices while slow cooking.
Why should I pierce the roast with a fork or knife?
Piercing the meat allows the dry seasoning blend to penetrate deeper into the roast for enhanced flavor.
Is this beef roast spicy?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper which adds a hint of heat. You can adjust this amount if you prefer a milder taste.
How do I know when the roast is done?
The meat is ready when it is fork-tender and can be easily shredded.
Should I let the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the roast rest for a few minutes after removing it from the crock pot before slicing or shredding.
How can I serve this Italian-style beef?
You can serve it hot as a main dish with mashed potatoes or shredded on fresh crusty buns for sandwiches.
What side dishes go well with this roast?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad complement the savory flavors of this dish.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
While the basic recipe focuses on the meat, you can easily add carrots, potatoes, or celery to the crock pot to cook alongside the roast.
What kind of onion soup mix should I use?
The recipe calls for one 1 1/4 ounce envelope of dry onion soup mix.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried?
Yes, though dried herbs are used in the rub, you can use fresh oregano and basil; typically, you use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this is an effortless 'set it and forget it' recipe that requires simple preparation in the morning.
What size roast should I buy?
Look for a chuck roast that is between 2.5 and 3 lbs.
Can I make this roast for a large gathering?
Absolutely, it is a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings because it yields tender, shreddable meat.
How much oregano is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What role does the paprika play?
Paprika adds a bit of color and a mild, earthy sweetness to the savory seasoning blend.
How much basil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of basil.
Can I use this meat for meal prep?
Yes, the shredded beef is excellent for meal prep and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
While designed for a crock pot, you could cook it in a heavy Dutch oven in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for several hours until tender.
Is the beef shredded or sliced?
You can do either; once it rests, it can be sliced for a traditional dinner or shredded for sandwiches.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked roast?
Yes, the cooked and shredded beef freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag with some of its juices for best results.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
Yes, you can adapt this for a pressure cooker by adding a cup of beef broth and cooking for about 60-80 minutes depending on the size of the roast.