Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Introduction

Italian Pot Roast, or Stracotto, is a dish that has become a true staple in my family’s recipe collection. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it cooks, filling the house with the most incredible aromas and making everyone eagerly anticipate the next meal. I first stumbled upon this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it quickly became a go-to for cozy dinners. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth is a complete winner. The beauty of this dish is not only in its deep, savory flavor but also in its versatility. Whether you opt for the stovetop, oven, or slow cooker method, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong. I’ve made it for weeknight dinners, Sunday family gatherings, and even dinner parties, and it always receives rave reviews.

Ingredients

For this Italian Pot Roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef (such as chuck), cut into 3 large pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons diced bacon or pancetta (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon/pancetta
Start by cooking the diced bacon or pancetta in a large, oven-safe saucepan over medium heat. Let it cook until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain the excess fat.

Step 2: Brown the beef
Season the beef with salt and pepper. In the same pan with the bacon grease, increase the heat to medium-high. Brown the beef pieces on all sides, which should take around 8-10 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the final dish, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 7-10 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add liquids and herbs
Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and the cooked bacon or pancetta. Mix everything well.

Step 5: Cook the roast
Return the beef to the pan, making sure the meat is submerged in the sauce. At this point, you have three cooking options:

1. Stovetop: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 2-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
2. Oven: Cover the pan and transfer it to a preheated 275°F (140°C) oven. Let it cook for 2-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
3. Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetables into a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Step 6: Final seasoning and serving
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it or slice it. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Discard the sprigs of thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories Per Serving)

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg

Preparation Time

• Active time: 20-25 minutes (for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables)
• Cooking time: 2-4 hours (depending on the method chosen)
• Total time: 2.5-5 hours

How to Serve

You can serve this Italian Pot Roast in several ways to complement the rich, savory flavors:

• With mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the tender beef and the flavorful gravy.
• On top of polenta: For an Italian touch, serve the pot roast over a bed of soft polenta.
• With crusty bread: A loaf of crusty, rustic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• With roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or carrots make a great side dish for this hearty meal.
• Over rice: The beef and sauce can also be served over white or brown rice for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

1. Browning the beef: Take your time when browning the beef. This step is crucial for building flavor in the dish.
2. Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add an extra layer of flavor to the pot roast. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs will work as well.
3. Do not skip the bacon: The bacon or pancetta provides a depth of flavor that really enhances the richness of the sauce.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper levels as needed.
5. Let it rest: After cooking, let the pot roast rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help the meat retain its juices.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and bacon. Use mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini) for a rich, umami flavor. Simmer the vegetables and mushrooms in vegetable broth for a satisfying vegetarian stew.
• Red Wine Addition: For a deeper flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the sauce after sautéing the vegetables. Let it reduce for a few minutes before adding the broth and tomatoes.
• Spicy Version: If you like some heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a fresh chopped chili pepper to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the pot roast with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
• A glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with this dish.
• You can also serve it alongside roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or beets for a more rustic meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Leftover Italian Pot Roast can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the roast to cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute chuck roast with brisket or round roast, but chuck provides the best texture for slow cooking.
2. Can I skip the bacon?
   Yes, the bacon adds flavor, but it can be omitted for a lighter version.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Increase the red pepper flakes, or add chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
4. Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
   Yes, cook the beef and vegetables in a pressure cooker for about 1 hour on high pressure, then release the pressure naturally.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
   If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered until it reduces or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water.
6. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
   Yes, use about 1/3 of the amount if you’re using dried herbs.
7. Can I add potatoes to the pot roast?
   Yes, add peeled and chopped potatoes in the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.
8. What is the best cut of beef for pot roast?
   Chuck roast is the best option because it’s marbled with fat and becomes tender when slow-cooked.
9. How long should I cook this on the stovetop?
   Simmer on low for 2-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
    Yes, the slow cooker works perfectly, cooking the roast on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

This Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together simple ingredients in the most delicious way. It’s the perfect recipe for those chilly nights when you want something hearty and satisfying, and it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker

, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. It’s a meal that will have your family asking for seconds and filling your home with the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked goodness. Enjoy!

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