Go Back
Understanding the rich culinary tradition behind Italian pot roast, or Stracotto, offers a glimpse into the heart of Italian home cooking. This comforting dish, beloved by many, is revered for its tender meat seamlessly blending with a flavorful sauce. Stracotto is more than mere sustenance; it's a celebration of flavors and techniques that showcase the essence of slow cooking. The recipe calls for beef chuck roast, a cut known for its ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, allowing for the meat to absorb the aromatic herbs and rich liquids it simmers in.

Italian Pot Roast Stracotto Recipe for Comforting Meals

Italian Pot Roast, or Stracotto, is a hearty and flavorful dish made with beef chuck roast slow-cooked in a rich tomato and wine sauce. It's perfect for a comforting family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots sliced into rounds
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Sear the beef chuck roast in olive oil until browned on all sides.
  • Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, then add garlic.
  • Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
  • Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.
  • Return the roast to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover and simmer on low for 3 to 4 hours until fork-tender.
  • Remove the roast and let it rest before slicing or shredding.
  • Strain the sauce if desired, then simmer to thicken before serving.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or creamy polenta for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, comfort food, dinner, hearty, Italian, pot roast, slow-cooked