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An Italian pot roast that has been sliced and is sitting in a large oval platter with a tomato and mushroom sauce all over it.

Italian Pot Roast

Course: Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: best Italian pot roast recipe, how to cook a pot roast
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 224kcal
This Italian Pot Roast recipe is a true keeper. Slowly braised in a low-temp oven for about an hour and a half ensures a tender roast with a sauce that is worth writing home about it. This is a definite home favorite for us!
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet/saucepan
  • 1 large Dutch oven or roasting pan You'll need an oven-safe vessel that can be covered

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 4 lb rump roast or eye of round
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 oz pancetta cubed or roughly chopped
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 1 cup celery chopped, about 3 ribs
  • 1 cup carrots chopped, about 2 medium
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ lb fresh mushrooms an assortment is nice
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes drained, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tbsp basil fresh, chopped
  • 1 tbsp rosemary fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the roast.
    Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 4 lb rump roast
  • Add the flour to a large platter and dredge the roast through it until fully covered with flour. Shake off excess.
    ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat.
    2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Add the roast and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 - 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the pancetta to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until the fat is rendered and has just become crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-line plate. Set aside.
    4 oz pancetta
  • Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until soft, about 6 minutes.
    1 cup onion, 1 cup celery, 1 cup carrots
  • Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
    3 cloves garlic
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until they begin to release their liquid, about 8 minutes.
    ½ lb fresh mushrooms
  • Pour in the wine and scrape up the brown bits stuck to the pan with a wooden spoon.
    2 cups red wine
  • Stir in the stock, tomatoes, rosemary, and basil, and bring to a boil for 3 minutes.
    1 cup beef stock, 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes, 2 tbsp basil, 1 tbsp rosemary
  • Stir in the pancetta and season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • Transfer the roast to a large Dutch oven (or another oven-safe vessel).
  • Pour the sauce over the top of the roast.
  • Cover and cook for about 1½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium. (You can also do this in your slow cooker, set on the low setting, for 10 hours).
  • Transfer the roast to a cutting board and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
  • If the sauce is too thin, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, bring it to a boil over high heat, and cook until it thickens slightly.
  • Taste and add salt, if desired.
  • Cut the roast into thick slices with a sharp knife.
  • Arrange the slices on a large platter, or serving plates, and top with with sauce.

Notes

See the video near the top of the blog post for visual guidance. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel
We recommend a rump roast, but an eye of round or chuck roast would work perfectly, too. If you go with less than 4 lbs, you'll need less roasting time. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F for medium. 
The sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance. 
Leftovers are fantastic the next day. Reheat in a dish in a 350°F oven. Place the meat in the dish and cover it with plenty of sauce. Heat until sauce is bubbly, about 20 minutes.  Leftovers will keep for 5 days covered in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 2 months.  

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2859IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg