Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Prep Time: 15 minutes 
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes 
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes 
Servings: 6

The Ingredients:

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

At the heart of Italian Pot Roast is a humble yet robust combination of ingredients. A generous cut of beef, typically chuck roast, serves as the centerpiece, offering rich flavor and succulent texture. The beef is accompanied by an array of aromatic vegetables, including onions, carrots, and celery, which impart depth and complexity to the dish. Fragrant herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano infuse the pot roast with unmistakable Italian flair, while a splash of red wine adds a touch of elegance and acidity to the flavor profile.

Directions

1. Cook the bacon in a large oven-safe saucepan (such as a Dutch oven) over medium heat until crisp. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper. In the same saucepan, brown the beef in the rendered bacon grease over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Return the cooked bacon to the saucepan. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine.
6. Return the browned beef to the saucepan, nestling it into the liquid and vegetables.
7. Choose one of the following cooking methods:
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, until the beef is tender and falls apart easily, about 2-4 hours.
9. Cover the saucepan and transfer it to a preheated oven set to 275°F (140°C). Cook until the beef is tender and falls apart easily, about 2-4 hours.
10. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender.
11. Once the beef is cooked to perfection, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and discard the sprigs of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
12. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty and flavorful beef stew!

The Cooking Process:

The magic of Italian Pot Roast lies in its slow and gentle cooking method, which allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender and fork-tender. After searing the beef to lock in its juices and enhance its flavor, it's nestled into a fragrant bath of vegetables, herbs, and red wine. The pot roast is then transferred to the oven, where it simmers gently for several hours until it reaches a state of sublime tenderness. The result is a dish that is as comforting to prepare as it is to savor.

The Savoring Experience:

As the aroma of Italian Pot Roast fills your kitchen, anticipation builds for the moment when you can finally savor the fruits of your labor. Each tender slice of beef is infused with the flavors of the savory broth and aromatic vegetables, creating a symphony of taste and texture that delights the palate. Whether enjoyed alongside creamy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread, Italian Pot Roast is a feast for the senses that brings comfort and joy to every bite.

Conclusion:

Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) is more than just a dish—it's a celebration of Italian culinary heritage and the simple pleasures of home-cooked comfort. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and timeless appeal, it's no wonder that this classic dish has stood the test of time. Promises to warm your heart and satisfy your soul.
Buon appetito!