Italian Pot Roast with Parmesan Risotto Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Pot Roast Parmesan Risotto brings together tender, flavorful beef and creamy risotto for a comforting meal. The rich blend of herbs, wine, and Parmesan cheese creates a dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (merlot or cabernet sauvignon)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 5 cups chicken broth, warmed
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the beef chuck roast dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Step 2: Remove the roast from the pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the red wine and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 4: Return the roast to the pot, ensuring it is immersed in the liquid. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Step 5: To make the risotto, heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 6: Gradually add warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-30 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove risotto from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese for richness and creaminess.
- Step 8: Slice the pot roast and serve with a generous scoop of Parmesan risotto. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Use a dry red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best flavor in the pot roast.
- Stir the risotto continuously to achieve a creamy texture without it sticking to the pan.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the pot roast, serving the risotto with roasted mushrooms instead.
- Add a splash of cream to the risotto at the end for extra richness if desired.
Storage
Store leftover pot roast and risotto separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the risotto if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for the pot roast?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or chuck shoulder. Just ensure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to become tender.
Is it necessary to use Arborio rice for risotto?
Arborio rice is preferred because of its high starch content, which creates the creamy texture of risotto. Other short-grain rice varieties may work but could alter the texture.
PrintItalian Pot Roast with Parmesan Risotto Recipe
This Italian Pot Roast Parmesan Risotto recipe combines tender, slow-simmered beef chuck roast infused with savory herbs and a rich tomato-wine sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy Parmesan risotto. A comforting, hearty dish showcasing classic Italian flavors made from scratch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (merlot or cabernet sauvignon)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Risotto
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 5 cups chicken broth, warmed
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the roast from the pot. In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth, Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Braise the Roast: Return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it into the liquid. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for about 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
- Prepare the Risotto Base: While roast braises, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until grains turn translucent.
- Cook the Risotto: Gradually add warmed chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait for each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue for 20-30 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Finish the Risotto: Remove the risotto from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese to add creamy richness.
- Serve: Slice the pot roast and plate alongside a generous scoop of Parmesan risotto. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even searing and cooking.
- Choosing a good quality red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the flavor.
- Stir the risotto continuously for the best creamy texture.
- Let the roast rest a few minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on broth sodium levels.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; substitute with basil if preferred.
Keywords: Italian pot roast, Parmesan risotto, beef chuck roast, slow simmer, creamy risotto, comfort food

