Italian-Style Slow Cooker Pot Roast (WW Friendly)

Pot roast is one of those classic comfort foods I come back to again and again, especially when the weather turns chilly. This Italian-style slow cooker pot roast is one of my longtime favorites. The beef simmers for hours in red wine, tomatoes, and herbs until it’s fork-tender, while the sauce becomes rich and flavorful thanks to carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.

I first made this recipe more than a decade ago, inspired by Diane Phillips’ cookbook Perfect Party Food, and it’s been a keeper ever since. What I love most is that it is hearty and satisfying, yet lightened-up by using lean eye of round roast and plenty of vegetables. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and healthy eating—Weight Watchers friendly, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Versatile serving options – Delicious with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a simple side of green veggies.
• Classic comfort with a healthy twist – Lean roast and lots of vegetables make this rich dish lighter.
• Slow cooker ease – Hands-off cooking lets the crock pot do all the work.
• Rich Italian flavors – Red wine, garlic, rosemary, and tomatoes infuse the beef with irresistible taste.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Garlic, salt and pepper – Rubbed onto the roast for depth of flavor.
• Olive oil – For browning; you can use canola or avocado oil if preferred.
• Eye of round roast – Lean and WW-friendly. Chuck roast works too but will be higher in fat.
• Onions, carrots and celery – The classic trio for building flavor in the sauce.
• Dried rosemary – Or substitute thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
• Red wine – Adds depth and richness; you can substitute additional broth if avoiding alcohol.
• Canned crushed tomatoes – Provide body and acidity to balance the richness.
• Low-sodium beef broth – Or substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth (affiliate link). I like jarred Better than Bouillion.

How Many Calories and WW Points in Slow Cooker Italian-Style Pot Roast?

According to my calculations, each serving has:

• Calories: 260
• WW Points: To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old WW Points: 6 PointsPlus

How to Make Italian Style Pot Roast (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the roast

Sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper over the roast and rub them in.

Step 2: Brown the meat

Heat oil in a skillet and brown the roast on all sides (2–4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and rosemary until softened. Stir in wine and tomatoes, scraping up browned bits.

Step 4: Slow cook

Transfer vegetable mixture to the slow cooker along with the broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Remove the roast, tent with foil, and let rest. Simmer the sauce on the stove if you’d like it thicker. Slice the beef, spoon sauce and veggies over the top, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing: Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or creamy polenta.
• Simply filling option: Pair with steamed spinach, roasted green beans, cauliflower rice, or broccoli.
• Family-style: Slice beef, arrange on a platter, and serve with the vegetable sauce on the side. A big salad and warm crusty bread complete the meal.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (affiliate link), adding a splash of broth if needed.

If you’ve made this low carb Crock Pot Italian-Style Roast, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe Source: Slightly adapted from Perfect Party Food: All the Recipes and Tips You’ll Ever Need for Stress-Free Entertaining from the Diva of Do-Ahead by Diane Phillips

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pot roast without wine?
Yes! While red wine adds wonderful depth of flavor, you can substitute additional beef broth or even unsweetened grape juice if you prefer to skip alcohol.

Can I cook this pot roast on HIGH?
You can, but I recommend LOW for the most tender results. If you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for about 4–5 hours, checking for doneness.

What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
I like using eye of round roast because it’s lean and WW friendly, but chuck roast, top round, or brisket will also work. Just keep in mind they may change the fat and Points values.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can brown the roast and sauté the vegetables the night before. Store everything in the fridge, then dump it in the slow cooker the next morning.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. This roast freezes beautifully. Store sliced beef and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

More Weight Watchers Friendly Slow Cooker Roast Recipes

If you like this Italian-style pot roast, you will love:

• Easy-Peasy Pot Roast – A no-fuss classic family favorite.
• Company’s Coming Slow Cooker Roast – Perfect for Sunday dinner or entertaining.
• Beef with Mushroom Sauce – Rich and savory comfort food favorite, made lighter.
• Italian Beef and Lentil Soup – A cozy, protein-packed soup my family loves.
• Italian Meatball Soup – A lighter take on a comforting classic.

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