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Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Italian Pot Roast, or Stracotto, is a deeply flavorful, slow-cooked beef roast braised in red wine, tomatoes, and herbs until fork-tender. Perfect for cozy family meals or special gatherings.


Ingredients

  • 34 lb beef chuck roast or brisket
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up brown bits. Let simmer 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, herbs, and return beef to the pot. Ensure meat is mostly submerged.
  6. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat (or in oven at 325°F) for 3 to 3½ hours until fork-tender.
  7. Remove beef, slice or shred, and return to sauce. Simmer uncovered if a thicker sauce is desired.
  8. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta with optional Parmesan garnish.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, prepare a day ahead and reheat before serving.
  • Try with gnocchi, creamy polenta, or wide noodles like pappardelle.
  • Add mushrooms or olives for extra flavor complexity.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg