This Italian Pot Roast, also called Pizzaiola, is a comforting tomato-based chuck roast adapted for the Instant Pot or a slow cooker.
It turns out juicy and fork-tender, great served in a bowl, piled into sandwiches or enjoyed with crusty bread or polenta for a gluten-free option.
- What is Pizzaiola?
- Can I Use Roast for Pizzaiola?
- Using the Instant Pot
- Can I Use a Crockpot?
- How Do You Serve Italian Roast?
- Recipe
What is Pizzaiola?
Pizzaiola is not pizza—it’s a classic Italian preparation where meat is cooked with tomatoes, herbs, onions and peppers. The name often applies to beef, but other proteins such as chicken are used depending on regional traditions and personal preference.
Many versions use steak and are cooked quickly on the stovetop. For this recipe, a longer-cooking cut is used to adapt it to pressure cooking or slow cooking, producing deep, developed flavors and fall-apart texture.
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Can I use Roast for Pizzaiola?
Yes. For this adaptation I used an Angus chuck roast because it breaks down beautifully with longer, moist cooking. To help it cook evenly and to make serving easier, I cut the roast into eight pieces before browning.
Using the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that speeds up braising and stewing while locking in flavor. If you’re new to it, run the basic water test and try simple items like hard-boiled eggs to get comfortable with the controls before moving on to larger recipes.
Once you know the basics—sealing the lid, using Sauté, and setting Manual/Pressure Cook—you’ll find this Pizzaiola straightforward to make in the Instant Pot.
Is It Difficult to Make Pizzaiola?
Not at all. The Instant Pot version is especially simple: sear the seasoned pieces, add the vegetables and tomato mixture, seal and pressure cook. Finish with a natural release and serve.
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The basic Instant Pot method for this Italian Pot Roast:
- Cut and season the roast, then sear it in olive oil using Sauté mode.
- Slice peppers, onions and mince garlic.
- Add the vegetables, tomatoes and seasonings to the pot; nestle the seared meat on top.
- Pressure cook and then release naturally before serving.
Can I Use a Crockpot Slow Cooker?
Yes. Sear the roast in a skillet, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the meat is tender.
How Do You Serve Italian Roast?
Serve the pot roast in bowls with plenty of the tomato sauce and a side of crusty bread for dipping. It also makes excellent sandwiches: pile the meat and peppers on hoagie rolls and top with melted provolone.
Wraps work well too—fill large tortillas, warm briefly in an air fryer for a crisp finish and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese and a few drops of hot sauce.
A simple side salad, polenta or bread steaks are nice accompaniments depending on your preference.
Recipe
Italian Pot Roast Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
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Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2.5 pounds Chuck Roast, boneless
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 26 ounces Chopped Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup White Wine
- 1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 medium Onion, sliced into slivers
- 6 Baby Bell Peppers, sliced into rings
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the roast into 8 equal pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and sear the roast pieces about 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove to a plate and press Cancel.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, white wine, balsamic, sliced onion, peppers, garlic, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine. Nestle the seared roast pieces on top and pour any juices from the plate into the pot. Ensure the seal is in place and the vent is clear. Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
- Press Manual (High) and set for 70 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release. Total cook time will be roughly 90 minutes.
- Open the lid, transfer to a serving dish or bowls, and enjoy.
Notes
Makes 8 servings. Serve with crusty bread, breadsteaks or polenta for a gluten-free option. A side salad completes the meal.
If you prefer, substitute the basil and oregano with 2 teaspoons of a seasoning blend such as Bragg’s Seasoning.
Percent Daily Values are estimates. If you have specific dietary needs, calculate nutrition based on your ingredients and packaging. The authors are not responsible for individual results or reactions.
© 2019-2026 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved.
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