Italian-Style Pot Roast

### Directions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Pot Roast
Begin by seasoning the **beef chuck roast** generously with **salt and pepper** on all sides. This will help to create a flavorful crust during searing.

#### Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat **olive oil** in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef roast and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned—about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial as it locks in the flavors and creates a delicious crust on the meat.

After searing, remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.

#### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the **onion**, **carrots**, and **celery**, sautéing them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the **garlic** and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

#### Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the **red wine** to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.

#### Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the **diced tomatoes** (with juices), **tomato paste**, **beef broth**, **oregano**, **basil**, **rosemary**, and **bay leaf** to the pot. Stir to combine. Taste the liquid and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

#### Step 6: Braise the Roast
Return the seared beef roast to the pot, nestling it into the tomato sauce and vegetable mixture. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

#### Step 7: Slow-Cook the Pot Roast
Bake the roast in the oven at **325°F (165°C)** for about **3-4 hours**, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Every hour or so, check the roast to make sure there is enough liquid in the pot. If it looks like the sauce is reducing too much, you can add a bit more beef broth or water.

#### Step 8: Shred and Serve
Once the pot roast is done, remove it from the oven. Take the roast out of the pot and place it on a cutting board to rest for about 10 minutes. While the meat is resting, skim off any excess fat from the sauce. Discard the bay leaf.

Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir it into the sauce, ensuring the meat is coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.

#### Step 9: Serve
Serve the **Italian-Style Pot Roast** over mashed potatoes, **polenta**, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with **fresh parsley** to add a burst of color and freshness.

### Tips and Variations

– **Make Ahead:** This pot roast can be made a day ahead. In fact, like many braised dishes, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
– **Slow Cooker Option:** If you prefer using a slow cooker, you can follow the same searing steps and then transfer the browned beef, vegetables, and liquid to the slow cooker. Cook on **low for 7-8 hours** or on **high for 4-5 hours** until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
– **Spicy Kick:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a sliced **fresh chili** to the sauce for an added kick.
– **Veggie Additions:** You can add other vegetables like **potatoes**, **mushrooms**, or **zucchini** to the pot for extra flavor and texture.

### Why You’ll Love Italian-Style Pot Roast

The beauty of **Italian-Style Pot Roast** lies in its slow-cooked simplicity. The long, slow braising process turns a tough cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the blend of tomatoes, herbs, and red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce. The vegetables contribute a natural sweetness and balance out the savory elements of the dish.

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy classic pot roast with a Mediterranean twist. The flavors are hearty and comforting, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you want to create a memorable, satisfying meal. Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes or a hunk of crusty bread to sop up the sauce, **Italian-Style Pot Roast** is sure to become a family favorite.

For those looking to enjoy the deliciousness of Italy at home, this dish provides the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and heartiness to make any meal feel like a special occasion.