If you have been longing for a truly comforting and soul-satisfying meal, then this Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Picture tender, succulent chunks of beef chuck roast, bathed in a rich, aromatic tomato-free gravy infused with herbs that evoke the sun-soaked Tuscan countryside. Paired with vibrant baby carrots and red potatoes, this dish is the perfect blend of hearty flavors and wholesome vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special weekend treat, you’re about to rediscover what comfort food really means.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a critical role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color for an impressive Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe. The quality and combination will bring that quintessential rustic Italian charm right to your table.
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast: Cut into 3-inch chunks, it’s the star that becomes delectably tender after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 2 teaspoons pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for searing to create a beautiful brown crust and sautéing aromatics, adding depth.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Brings sweetness and a savory base to the gravy.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a pungent, aromatic kick that invigorates the palate.
- 2 tablespoons Tuscan-style seasoning blend: A fragrant mix of rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, and sage, it’s the heart of Tuscan flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes umami richness and a slight tang that awakens the sauce.
- 1 cup red wine or additional beef stock: Use Cabernet Sauvignon for a robust, fruity depth; alternatively, beef stock keeps it savory and mellow.
- 3 cups reduced-sodium beef stock: Creates a luscious base for the gravy.
- 2 cups baby carrots: Add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes, halved or quartered: Their creamy texture complements the beef and soak up delicious gravy.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to a perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Mixed with cornstarch for a smooth slurry to finish the sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Pat your beef chuck roast chunks dry with paper towels. This simple step is key because it helps the beef get that sought-after golden crust when seared. Sprinkle kosher salt and pepper generously all around the meat to season it evenly, which will build flavor from the very first step.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you can feel the heat just above the pot. Carefully add beef pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pot—searing in batches ensures maximum browning, which locks in flavor. Sear each piece 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a deeply golden crust. Transfer seared beef to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the thinly sliced onion, cooking until translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in your Tuscan-style seasoning blend along with Worcestershire sauce to build that signature Tuscan aroma that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 4: Deglaze and Combine Ingredients
Pour in your choice of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon recommended) or extra beef stock to deglaze the pot. Scrape all those flavorful browned bits off the bottom—they are pure magic! Add the 3 cups of reduced-sodium beef stock, mix it all up, and carefully pour this robust broth over the beef in your slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Roast
Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 10 hours or high for 5 hours—whatever suits your schedule. Halfway through cooking, add the baby carrots and red potatoes. This timing allows vegetables to become tender but not mushy, perfectly complementing the beef melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Finish the Gravy
Once the roast and veggies are done, transfer them to a serving dish and tent with foil to keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the boiling liquid. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened to a glossy, luscious gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few whole fresh rosemary sprigs on top of your roast not only looks inviting but adds freshness and aroma that contrast beautifully with the rich gravy. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving elevates those deep Tuscan flavors.
Side Dishes
This roast shines with simple sides such as creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a crusty loaf of Italian bread to soak up every last bit of gravy. For a fresh counterbalance, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this meal family-style in a large rustic ceramic dish for heartfelt sharing vibes. Or arrange the beef chunks beautifully nestled among the vegetables in individual shallow bowls topped with a generous ladle of gravy. For dinner parties, small cast iron skillets bring a charming touch of Tuscan hospitality right to your guests’ tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, package any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making reheated servings just as delicious, if not more so, as the first!
Freezing
To keep this wonderful Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe on hand for busy nights, freeze the beef, vegetables, and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This separation preserves textures and makes reheating a breeze without compromising flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy. Warm slowly to retain moisture and bring renewed tenderness to the roast while warming the vegetables through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes beautifully tender during slow cooking. However, you can use brisket or round roast, though cooking times and results may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have red wine?
No worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of beef stock. The wine adds complexity but the slow cook process with the seasoning blend still creates a deeply flavorful dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and substitute cornstarch for any flour-based thickener. This recipe as given is naturally free from gluten ingredients otherwise.
Is it okay to cook the vegetables from the start?
Adding the carrots and potatoes halfway through cooking ensures they stay tender but firm, not mushy. If you add them at the beginning, they might overcook and break down too much.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of your slow cooker’s capacity to avoid overcrowding, and adjust cooking times slightly if needed. You might consider using two slow cookers to keep everything perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe is the ultimate hug in a bowl, blending hearty beef, vibrant vegetables, and luscious gravy into a meal everyone will rave about. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for gatherings with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your cherished recipe collection!
Print
Crockpot Tuscan-Style Beef Chuck Roast with Vegetables and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 10 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Roast made with tender beef chuck, seasoned with a fragrant Tuscan-style blend, slow-cooked alongside baby carrots and red potatoes, and finished with a rich red wine gravy. Perfect for a comforting weekend meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Tuscan-style seasoning blend (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut in half or quarters if large (about 6 cups)
Liquids
- 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) or additional beef stock
- 3 cups reduced-sodium beef stock
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Note 1: Tuscan-Style Seasoning Blend
- 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Meat: Pat the beef chuck roast dry using paper towels. Season the meat chunks all over with kosher salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help form a crust during searing.
- Sear the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. When the pot is hot (you can feel the heat 6 inches above the surface), add the beef chunks without overcrowding and brown on all sides for 2 to 3 minutes per side to develop a rich crust. Sear the meat in batches if necessary. Transfer seared meat to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics and Add Seasonings: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add the Tuscan-style seasoning blend and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- Deglaze with Wine and Stock: Pour the red wine (or additional beef stock) into the pot, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor. Add the reduced-sodium beef stock and stir. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 5 hours. Halfway through cooking, add the baby carrots and baby red potatoes to the slow cooker to cook alongside the meat.
- Prepare the Gravy: Once cooking is complete, remove the roast and vegetables to a serving dish and tent with foil to keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a small pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add this slurry to the boiling liquid. Continue to boil for 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy has thickened. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the beef roast and vegetables hot, accompanied by the rich red wine gravy on the side. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Tuscan-Style Seasoning Blend: Combine 1½ teaspoons each of dried rosemary, oregano, and basil; ¾ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried marjoram; and ¼ teaspoon dried sage. Whisk together and add to the roast for authentic Tuscan flavors.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the roast, vegetables, and gravy separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
