For More Flavorful Slow-Cooker Pot Roast, Ditch The Seasoning Packets For Some Italian Flair

As tempting as it might be to reach for the same packets every single time you make slow-cooker pot roast, you can always opt for Italian seasoning instead. With typical seasoning packets, the most you will usually get is a bit of extra saltiness and savoriness, but Italian seasoning offers so much more. The Italian flair will give your pot roast a marvelous flavor complexity.

What is in Italian seasoning? It's comprised of some of the cuisine's most beloved staples, such as dried herbs (like oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, marjoram, and parsley) — some blends also include ingredients like garlic, onion, black pepper, sage, and paprika. Your pot roast is laced with herby brightness and complexity that lifts the dish from its inherent savory depth. Cutting through the beefy richness is an intricate blend of aroma and spice, fused into both the meat and the gravy.

Pot roast is one of the absolute best ways to use Italian seasoning, and all you need to do is sprinkle it into the pot. As a general rule, add about 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning per pound of meat. This may vary depending on the remaining ingredients in your pot roast and how prominent you want the herbs to be. Alternatively, you can use this blend as part of a dry rub to coat the meat itself.

Even though Italian seasoning isn't a thing in Italy, it makes a great gateway to an Italian-style pot roast similar to stracotto, an Italian stew featuring slow-cooked beef smothered in Italian herbs, pancetta, red wine, tomatoes, and broth. You can also experiment further with other flavorings. For example, play around with different red wine varieties to introduce a wide range of fruity and acidic notes to the base, or add an extra splash of cognac for a hint of warmth. Calabrian chile paste, on the other hand, will give the dish a tongue-tingling heat that brings every meaty forkful to life. Maybe even throw in a few pepperoncini for a tangy brine. When fall rolls around, there's always room in this stew for a cinnamon stick or two to embody the warm, seasonal vibes.

Going in another direction, in which savory richness is beautifully highlighted, consider bringing in a package of au jus mix to give your dish a delicious gravy base. Combined with the Italian seasoning's herby complexity, it will give your dish a delectable rustic edge. Keep this base company with common Italian veggies, such as tomatoes (or even sun-dried tomatoes), artichokes, zucchini, eggplant, and more. Fill it out with a side of pasta or Italian bread, like ciabatta or focaccia, and your dinner is a guaranteed success.