Tuscan-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Roast 🍷🍅
Transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Tuscany with this Tuscan-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Roast. This tender, fall-apart chuck roast is infused with the warm, earthy flavors of Italian herbs, robust red wine, and tangy balsamic vinegar. Paired with hearty carrots and baby potatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist.
Ready to create a dish that feels like an Italian getaway? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Beef Roast
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful meat that falls apart with a fork.
- Rich, Complex Flavors: The combination of red wine, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar creates a savory and tangy sauce.
- One-Pot Wonder: A complete meal with minimal cleanup!
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Tuscan-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Roast
The Roast:
- 3 lb beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Sauce & Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon thyme
The Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for searing
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Tuscan-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Roast
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour the wine mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Nestle the baby carrots and halved baby potatoes around the roast. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred or slice as desired. Ladle the rich sauce and vegetables over the beef. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve with Tuscan Beef Roast
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate it with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta adds a luxurious touch.
- Simple Salad: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Tips for the Best Beef Roast
- Choose the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because of its marbling, which breaks down beautifully over time.
- Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing the skillet with wine; it adds depth to the sauce.
- Don’t Rush It: Cooking low and slow ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Adjust to Taste: Add more balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter, tangier sauce.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze: Freeze the beef and vegetables (separately from the sauce, if possible) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Without Wine?
Yes! Simply replace the wine with additional beef broth or grape juice for a touch of sweetness.
Can I Use a Dutch Oven Instead?
Absolutely. Sear the beef and cook everything in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, parsnips, or even chunks of celery root make great additions.
Wrapping It Up
This Tuscan-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Roast is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary escape to the heart of Italy. The rich, savory flavors and tender beef will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or for a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment below. Craving more comforting meals? Don’t miss these:
- Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
- Classic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: ~450 | Protein: 36g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 20g
So grab your slow cooker and let the flavors of Tuscany fill your home. Mangia! 🍷✨