Tender Italian Chuck Roast Slow-Cooked with Peppers and Onions

This Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions is a flavorful and hearty dish that requires minimal effort. The beef becomes tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking, and the combination of peppers, onions, and herbs adds an extra burst of savory goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s an easy and hands-off meal that delivers bold Italian flavors without all the fuss. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

• 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast

• 1 onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chuck roast on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.

2. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic on top.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the roast and vegetables.

4. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top.

5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds.

6. Once cooked, remove the roast and shred it with two forks. Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7-8 hours | Total Time: 7-8 hours

Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Introduction to Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions

The Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions is a comforting, savory dish that combines tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic onions, all infused with the rich flavors of Italian seasonings. This dish has become a favorite among home cooks who seek an easy, hands-off recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the peppers and onions provide a natural sweetness that complements the hearty roast.

Origins of the Recipe

The combination of beef and peppers in Italian cuisine has deep roots in the rich tradition of slow-cooked meals. While this specific recipe is often associated with American adaptations of Italian cooking, the use of slow cooking methods and braised meats is a hallmark of Italian comfort food. The chuck roast, a cut known for its flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow, is commonly used in many Italian-style dishes, such as pot roasts or stews.

Chuck roast is a cut from the shoulder of the cow and is ideal for slow cooking because it contains connective tissues that break down into gelatin over time, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. In Italy, slow-cooked meats are often served with vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, making this recipe a fusion of classic Italian and modern American cooking techniques.

Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions

This dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Beef chuck roast, when cooked slowly, is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass. It’s also rich in important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production, immune health, and overall well-being.

The addition of bell peppers and onions provides a boost of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Bell peppers, particularly the red, yellow, and orange varieties, are packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function and skin health. Onions, on the other hand, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to support heart health due to their content of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant.

Since this dish is prepared in a slow cooker, it retains all the nutrients from the ingredients, making it a wholesome meal. For those looking to reduce fat intake, the recipe can be adjusted by using leaner cuts of beef or by removing excess fat from the chuck roast before cooking.

Variations of Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions

One of the great things about the Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions is how versatile it can be. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker. This will give the dish a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers and the savory depth of the chuck roast.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the dish, consider incorporating mushrooms, carrots, or even zucchini. These vegetables will absorb the flavors from the broth and herbs, adding more texture and variety to the dish.

For a more Mediterranean twist, you can add ingredients like olives, capers, or artichokes. These ingredients bring a briny, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the peppers.

Another variation is to serve the roast with different sides. While this dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, you could also serve it over rice, pasta, or polenta for a heartier meal. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can also elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions

To ensure that your Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Searing the Beef: While the slow cooker does all the hard work, it’s worth taking the time to sear the chuck roast before adding it to the slow cooker. Searing the beef on all sides in a hot skillet helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the final dish.

2. Layering Ingredients: When placing the ingredients in the slow cooker, layer the vegetables (onions and peppers) on the bottom and place the roast on top. This allows the vegetables to cook in the juices from the meat, ensuring that they absorb all the delicious flavors.

3. Don’t Lift the Lid: It’s tempting to check on your slow cooker while it’s cooking, but opening the lid lets out heat and can extend the cooking time. Unless you’re adding additional ingredients, it’s best to leave the lid on and let the slow cooker do its job.

4. Shred the Beef for Extra Flavor: Once the roast is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the meat. This allows the beef to soak up more of the flavorful broth, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful dish.

5. Let It Rest: After shredding the beef, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together, ensuring every bite is as tasty as possible.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions

This Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions can be served in many different ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are a few ideas for serving it:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes makes a perfect base for the rich, tender beef and flavorful sauce. The potatoes soak up all the delicious juices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

• With Crusty Bread: If you love a good bread and gravy combo, serve the roast with a loaf of crusty Italian bread. The bread can be used to soak up the juices from the beef and sauce, making every bite more indulgent.

• Over Pasta: For a more substantial meal, serve the slow-cooked beef over pasta. The pasta will absorb the juices from the roast, creating a satisfying, well-rounded dish.

• On a Bun: For a more casual meal, consider serving the shredded beef on soft sandwich buns, topped with a bit of cheese. This makes for a delicious Italian-inspired sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

• As a Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Once cooked, the beef and vegetables can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat for a quick, easy meal throughout the week.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions is the perfect dish for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers, and savory onions, all slow-cooked to perfection, makes this recipe a family favorite that will never go out of style. With endless variations and serving options, it’s a dish that can be customized to suit any palate or occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or just meal prepping for the week ahead, this slow cooker recipe is sure to impress. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a go-to recipe in any home cook’s arsenal. Try it today and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness of Slow Cooker Italian Chuck Roast with Peppers and Onions.