Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

When it comes to hearty and comforting dishes, few things rival a slow-cooked Italian Pot Roast, also known as Stracotto. This classic recipe combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables. As a chef, I’m always drawn to recipes that bring together bold flavors with simple techniques, and Stracotto delivers on both fronts. This dish takes humble ingredients like chuck roast, carrots, onions, and celery and transforms them into a masterpiece with time and care.

The magic happens in the slow braise. By gently simmering the beef for several hours, the connective tissues break down, creating a dish so tender that it practically falls apart with the touch of a fork. The savory tomato sauce, layered with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, makes this dish unmistakably Italian, bringing warmth to any dinner table. It’s a labor of love that rewards you with every bite.

Whether you’re serving a family dinner, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a cozy weekend meal, this Italian Pot Roast is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or a bed of buttery pasta to soak up the luscious sauce. Don’t forget a loaf of crusty bread to complete the experience.

What I love most about Stracotto is its versatility. You can cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish, as the flavors only deepen with time. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be repurposed into sandwiches or pasta sauces, making this recipe both economical and delicious.

For those who love rustic, soul-warming meals, Italian Pot Roast is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, satisfying, and a celebration of traditional Italian cooking that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

Ingredients :

• Bacon or Pancetta: 4 ounces, diced (optional)
• Beef: 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 3 large pieces
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: As needed for searing
• Onion: 1 cup, diced
• Carrot: 1 cup, diced
• Celery: 1 cup, diced
• Garlic: 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Beef Broth: 2 cups
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or oregano)
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Optional Additions:
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for finishing)

Instructions :

1. Prepare the Bacon and Beef:
   • Heat a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium heat. Cook the diced bacon or pancetta until crispy. Remove it and set aside.
   • Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in the bacon fat (or olive oil if not using bacon) over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 4-6 minutes per side. Set the beef aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
   • Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce:
   • Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and cooked bacon. Mix well.
4. Braise the Beef:
   • Return the seared beef to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
   • Stovetop Method: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 2-4 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
   • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 275°F. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 2-4 hours.
   • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the beef is tender, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.
   • Serve the pot roast with its sauce over mashed potatoes, polenta, pasta, or crusty bread. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Variants :

• Wine-Braised Pot Roast: Replace 1 cup of beef broth with a dry red wine for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Mushroom Addition: Add 1 ounce of reconstituted, chopped dried porcini mushrooms for an earthy depth.
• Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with the garlic for a more robust tomato flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh sage or bay leaves for an aromatic twist.

Tips :

• Searing is Key: Browning the beef before braising locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized crust.
• Low and Slow: Cook the pot roast slowly for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen when the pot roast is refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or egg noodles for a classic Italian meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.