Description
This Italian Pot Roast, also known as Stracotto, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Tender beef is braised with aromatic vegetables and herbs until it’s meltingly tender. Serve this delicious pot roast over pasta, gnocchi, or creamy polenta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pot Roast:
- 4 ounces bacon (or pancetta), diced (optional)
- 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 (or oregano)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large oven-safe saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Set aside.
- Sear the beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in the bacon grease over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Add broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and cooked bacon. Return beef to the pan.
- Braise the beef: Cover and simmer on low for 2-4 hours on the stovetop, in a preheated oven at 275F/140C, or in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours.
- Season and serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve the pot roast over pasta, gnocchi, or polenta.
Notes
- Consider adding dried porcini mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Enhance the sauce with a splash of wine or balsamic vinegar.
- Customize the dish with tomato paste, sage, fish sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan over the pot roast before serving for a cheesy touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 45g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg
