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Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven, Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Italian Pot Roast, known as Stracotto, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Slow-cooked beef with aromatic vegetables and herbs creates a rich and tender roast that pairs well with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pot Roast:

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: In a large oven-safe saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat, then set aside.
  2. Sear the beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in the bacon grease until browned on all sides. Set aside.
  3. Cook the vegetables: Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pan and cook until tender.
  4. Add flavors: Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, broth, crushed tomatoes, herbs, and bacon.
  5. Cook the pot roast: Choose a cooking method (stovetop simmering, oven baking, or slow cooker) and cook until the beef is tender.
  6. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve the pot roast hot.

Notes

  • Consider adding additional ingredients like dried porcini mushrooms, wine, tomato paste, sage, balsamic vinegar, or parmesan for extra flavor.
  • This dish can be served over pasta, gnocchi, polenta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg