Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine Marinara Recipe

Imagine inviting the aroma of Sunday dinner in a bustling Italian kitchen right into your own home. That’s exactly what you get with Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara—a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast that’s been basking for hours in hearty red wine and garlicky marinara, soaking up all those irresistible herb-infused flavors. This is pure cozy comfort, Italian style!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make something so special. Each element is simple, but plays a starring role in creating the depth and richness that make Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara truly unforgettable.

• 3 lb chuck roast: The ultimate cut for slow cooking—marbled and robust, it falls apart at the touch of a fork after hours in the pot.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: A generous seasoning up front pulls all the flavors together as the roast cooks.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that golden, flavorful crust on the roast as you sear it.
• 1 onion, thinly sliced: Brings mellow sweetness and depth to the sauce as it melts down during the slow cook.
• 1 carrot, diced: This little pop of sweetness balances the savory marinara.
• 2 celery sticks, diced: Celery adds classic savoriness and a hint of earthiness.
• 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped: For robust, aromatic flavor that simply sings in Italian dishes.
• 1 (25 oz) jar marinara sauce: The tomato backbone of the dish—pick a high-quality sauce you love for best results.
• 1 cup red wine: Provides body and subtle fruitiness, deepening the sauce and transforming the beef into something exceptional.
• 1/2 cup bunched basil leaves: Fresh basil adds herbaceous brightness and quintessential Italian flair.
• 2 teaspoon dried rosemary: This hearty, woodsy herb is magic with beef and red wine.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For that classic fleck of greenery and a hint of fresh flavor.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Ensures the whole dish is deeply seasoned from the inside out.

Variations

One of the best things about Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara is how easily you can make it your own. Swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the wine, or play with herbs—this is one recipe that absolutely thrives on a little creativity.

• No-Wine Option: Swap the red wine for beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
• Mushroom Upgrade: Add sliced mushrooms with the veggies for extra umami flavor and earthy goodness.
• Sauce Swap: Experiment with arrabbiata sauce for a spicy kick, or use a chunky tomato basil sauce for a rustic twist.
• Low-Carb Lovers: Serve the roast over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a lighter, but equally comforting meal.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara

Step 1: Prep the Beef and Vegetables

Start by bringing your chuck roast out of the fridge and letting it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This simple step makes for more even cooking. While it sits, take a moment to dice your carrot and celery, slice the onion, and roughly chop the garlic—the smell alone will get your taste buds humming.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Roast

Rub your roast all over with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven or skillet over high heat. Carefully lay the beef in the pan and let each side develop a deep, caramelized crust—about three minutes per side. This step isn’t just for color; it’s the secret to incredible depth of flavor in the finished dish.

Step 3: Build the Base in the Slow Cooker

Move your beautifully browned roast to the slow cooker. Now, scatter all your prepared veggies, pour in the marinara and wine, and toss in those lush basil leaves and fragrant dried herbs. Give everything a gentle stir to combine and evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low—now, relax! Allow the roast to gently cook for eight hours, until it’s irresistibly tender and shreds with barely a touch. Don’t rush this part; this is where all the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell phenomenal.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the beef is meltingly soft, use two forks to break it into generous chunks or luscious shreds right in the sauce. Serve spoonfuls over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or even on fresh sourdough bread—the Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara will be the star of whatever you pair it with!

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara

Garnishes

Brighten up each serving of Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara with a flurry of freshly chopped basil or parsley. A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a few curls of lemon zest can add an irresistible finishing touch that makes every plate pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is heavenly over a bed of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or pillowy gnocchi—but don’t overlook a side of garlicky green beans or a crisp arugula salad to balance out the richness. For bread lovers, a chunk of rustic Italian loaf to mop up the sauce is blissful!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy presentation, try serving the roast family-style in a large shallow bowl, topped with herbs and cheese. Or build individual bowls layered with polenta, shreds of the roast, and a generous ladle of sauce for a cozy, restaurant-style vibe. Leftovers make unbeatable Italian beef sandwiches—just pile onto toasted hoagie rolls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara keeps beautifully for up to four days in the fridge. Let everything cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container so the flavors keep developing overnight.

Freezing

This roast freezes like a dream! Simply spoon portions into freezer-safe containers (with plenty of that saucy goodness) and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Slowly reheat leftovers on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave—be sure to cover so the sauce doesn’t splatter!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from Nonna herself, you simply have to try Slow-Cooked Italian Chuck Roast with Red Wine and Marinara. Whether it’s a quiet weeknight or a lively family gathering, this dish promises not just full bellies, but smiles around the table. Buon appetito, friend!

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