Italian style crock pot beef roast is one of those comforting dinners that delivers big flavor in a simple way. Tender beef, mushrooms, tomatoes, and Italian-inspired seasonings slowly cook together into a hearty, healthy meal that's naturally low carb, meal prep friendly, and just as easy to make in the crockpot or Instant Pot.

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The backstory.
Pot roast has always been one of those dinners that feels like home, but I wanted to give it a little Italian-inspired twist. Adding tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and plenty of Italian seasoning creates a rich, savory sauce that's just a little different from the classic version. It's simple enough for a weeknight but cozy enough to make whenever you're craving comfort food.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
Italian style crock pot beef roast gives classic pot roast an Italian-inspired twist, and the best part is you can make it in either the slow cooker or the Instant Pot.
- Rich, comforting flavor. Slow cooking creates a savory tomato-beef gravy with tender mushrooms and onions that tastes like it simmered all day.
- Healthy comfort food. Packed with protein and vegetables, this recipe is naturally low carb and can easily fit a variety of healthy eating styles.
- Easy to make. It's mostly a dump and go recipe for the slow cooker, plus there's a with easy instant pot version when you're short on time.
- Two easy cooking methods. This recipe works beautifully in both the slow cooker and the Instant Pot, so you can choose the method that fits your schedule.
I love a good spin on a classic.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
Every bite is tender enough to pull apart with a fork while soaking up that rich tomato-infused beef gravy. The mushrooms become silky, the onions practically melt into the sauce, and the Italian seasoning ties everything together with warm, herbaceous flavor. It's hearty without feeling heavy.
What you'll need.

Here's what your going to need to make this instant pot or slow cooker Italian pot roast recipe.
- Chuck roast: The best cut for becoming incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking.
- Mushrooms: Baby bella mushrooms add earthy flavor and extra richness.
- Onion: Softens into the sauce and builds lots of savory flavor.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps create a rich gravy.
- Diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil: Bring moisture and Italian-inspired flavor.
- Beef bouillon granules: Deepens the beefy richness.
- Italian seasoning: The signature blend that gives this roast its Italian-inspired character.
- Garlic powder: Adds mellow garlic flavor throughout.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth.
- Baby carrots (optional): Turn it into a complete one-pot meal.
- Baby potatoes (optional): A classic addition that cooks right alongside the roast.
- Butter or olive oil (optional): Adds richness, especially for low carb versions.
- Xanthan gum (optional): Thickens the gravy for a low carb option.
- Cornstarch (optional): Thickens the cooking juices into a classic gravy.
Love a good roast as much as I do? Then you'll definitely want to try my Ninja Foodi Pot Roast Recipe for a quicker take on a family favorite. Fall Apart Eye of Round Roast is another delicious option that's tender, hearty, and perfect for Sunday dinner. Don't forget to keep my Homemade Pot Roast Seasoning Recipe stocked in your pantry - it's an easy way to add rich flavor to all your favorite beef recipes.
Customize it your way.
Italian pot roast in crock pot is easy to make it your own.
- Add baby potatoes and carrots for a complete one-pot dinner.
- Stir in sliced pepperoncini for a little tangy kick.
- Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Finish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
Flexible dietary swaps.
Italian style crock pot beef roast is naturally flexible, making it easy to fit a variety of eating styles.
- Low Carb: Skip the potatoes and carrots, add the optional butter or olive oil, and thicken with xanthan gum instead of cornstarch.
- Gluten-Free: Double-check that your beef bouillon is certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Lower Sodium: Choose a reduced-sodium beef bouillon and season to taste at the end.
How to make Italian pot roast in crock pot.
Italian style crock pot beef roast is a dump-and-go recipe that's easy to make.
- Layer the onions, mushrooms, and any optional vegetables into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the chuck roast on top, then spread on the tomato paste and add the diced tomatoes, seasonings, and bouillon.
- Cover and cook on low until the beef is fork tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the roast, then thicken the cooking juices with either cornstarch or xanthan gum if you'd like a thicker gravy before serving.

How to serve it.
This Italian style crock pot beef roast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with all kinds of comforting sides.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon the rich gravy over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
- Serve alongside roasted green beans or steamed broccoli.
- Pair with cauliflower mash or riced cauliflower for a low carb meal.
- Pile leftovers onto toasted rolls with melted provolone for hearty sandwiches.
Kori's tips.
- Don't skip the gravy. The cooking juices are packed with flavor and only take a few minutes to thicken into an amazing sauce.
- Let the roast rest. Give the meat about 10 minutes before shredding so it stays nice and juicy.
- Taste before serving. Beef bouillon brands vary in saltiness, so adjust the seasoning at the very end.
- Meal prep bonus. This roast tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to come together.
- Pot Roast typically becomes "fork tender" or "fall apart" at 180 degrees F. For more information, please refer to the USDA's safe minimum internal temperature guidelines.
- If cooking in an Instant Pot. A general guideline is to cook the roast 20 minutes per pound. So, a 3 lb roast for 60 minutes and a 4 pound roast for 80 minutes. Please reference the Instant Pot recommended cooking timetables for more information.
FAQ's
Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container with the gravy in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Yes. You can overcook a pot roast. An overcooked roast will be chewy, and some portions may have a very tough texture.
Boneless chuck roast is the best choice because it becomes incredibly tender after cooking low and slow while staying juicy and flavorful.
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📖 The recipe.

Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless chuck roast
- 8 ounces package mushrooms (sliced; I used baby bellas)
- 1 medium onion (halved then thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
- 2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (plus extra to taste)
- optional veggies: ½ to 1 pound each baby carrots and potatoes (toss them in the bottom of the crockpot with the onions and mushrooms)
- optional for keto: add 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
- optional thickener: ½ teaspoon xanthan gum or 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients to the crock pot - vegetables first, beef roast on top, then tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef bouillon granules, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and butter or olive oil (if using).

- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart. Continue with the instructions for making gravy below if desired.

Instant Pot Method
- Dry chuck roast with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Select Saute setting, Medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil to the pot. Sear meat on both sides until golden brown about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Set aside on plate.
- Add onions and mushrooms and saute until tender. Add roast back to the pot, then add tomatoes, tomato paste, beef bouillon, salt, pepper, 1 cup water or beef broth, italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Secure lid on pressure cooker. Set to Pressure Cooker, High for 80 minutes. When cooking is complete, use the quick release method to release steam.
To Thicken the Pot Juices
- Remove the beef roast, cover with foil and keep warm. Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water or, ½ teaspoon xanthan gum and 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Stir the mixture into the crockpot or pressure cooker. With the lid off and temperature on low (pressure cooker, saute low), continue cooking until the juices thicken to your liking. Additional thickener can be added.

Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Baby potatoes and carrots can be added for a complete meal. Add a spicy kick with sliced pepperoncini or red pepper flakes.
- LOW CARB AND KETO VERSION: Use 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil if desired (I usually do 3 tablespoons of each). Do not add potatoes or carrots. Use xanthan gum to thicken the pot juices.
- SERVING SUGGESTION: Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or riced cauliflower.
Nutrition
© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™





Brittany Kelly
Absolutely delicious! I added diced red potatoes, mushrooms and onion for the veggies. I served it over cauliflower rice and thickened gravy with green beans and flaky biscuits. Perfect fall meal. I will add this recipe to my rotation. Thank you! 😊
Kori
That sounds absolutely amazing! 🧡 Love the red potatoes, mushrooms, and onion combo—and serving it with cauliflower rice, green beans, and biscuits makes it the perfect fall comfort meal. So glad it’s earned a spot in your rotation, and thank you for sharing your delicious twists!
JSP
Delicious & Easy!!!
seekinggoodeats
Thank you!! Italian Crockpot Beef Roast is definitely easy to make - just dump it all in and turn on! 🙂