Italian Pot Roast Stracotto is like a warm hug in a bowl, with tender beef simmered to perfection in a rich, aromatic sauce. Imagine the smell wafting through your kitchen, pulling everyone in like a moth to a flame. rich and hearty Bolognese sauce The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a symphony of savory goodness that dances on your taste buds and leaves you longing for more. savory stuffed flank steak.
Growing up, family dinners felt incomplete without my grandmother’s Stracotto. We’d gather around the table, laughter filling the air as we savored each bite of that mouthwatering pot roast. It was our go-to comfort food after long days, perfect for celebrations or just because it was Tuesday. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again. For more inspiration, check out this hearty ground beef casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Pot Roast Stracotto is simple to prepare and yields incredible flavor with minimal effort
- Its rich colors and enticing aromas will impress any dinner guest
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, it’s versatile enough to serve with potatoes or pasta
- This dish promises hearty satisfaction with every bite!
My friends still rave about how I once made an entire pot disappear at a dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking; its marbling makes it juicy and tender. juicy spatchcock turkey.
-
Olive Oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor during browning.
-
Onions: Sweet onions add depth; sauté until golden brown for maximum flavor.
-
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings irresistible aroma; use at least four cloves for best results.
-
Carrots: Cut into thick chunks; they add sweetness and color to your pot roast.
-
Celery: Adds subtle flavor and crunch; chop into large pieces so they hold their texture.
-
Red Wine: A good splash enhances richness; choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking.
-
Beef Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth provides essential moisture and flavor during cooking.
-
Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh herbs elevate the dish; use whole sprigs for easy removal after cooking.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together perfectly!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sear the Beef Chuck Roast: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side—this step locks in amazing flavors.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Remove the roast from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, carrots, and celery—cook until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Liquid Gold: Broth Time!: Return the roast to the pot and pour in beef broth along with thyme and rosemary sprigs. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover your pot and let it simmer gently on low heat for about 3-4 hours or until fork-tender—your kitchen will smell divine!
Savor Every Bite!: Once cooked through, shred or slice your Stracotto as desired. creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes Serve it over creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes—don’t forget warm crusty bread!
Remember, making Italian Pot Roast Stracotto isn’t just about following steps—it’s about enjoying every moment of creating something delicious!
You Must Know
- Mastering Italian Pot Roast Stracotto requires patience; the longer it simmers, the better it tastes
- The aroma fills your kitchen, promising a meal that’s comforting and hearty
- Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that showcases the beauty of slow cooking
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the meat to lock in flavors, then add vegetables to caramelize. Allow everything to simmer gently for hours, letting those rich flavors meld beautifully together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different vegetables like potatoes or carrots. You can also experiment with herbs or spices to match your family’s preferences and make it uniquely yours. For more inspiration, check out this green beans with potatoes recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Italian Pot Roast Stracotto, ensure you use high-quality meat for maximum flavor
- Remember to keep an eye on the simmering time; too short means tough meat while too long can dry it out
- Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth!
Cooking this dish brings back memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoyed each tender bite together.
FAQ
What cut of meat is best for Italian Pot Roast Stracotto?
Chuck roast works best due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked slowly.
Can I cook Stracotto in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow similar steps but cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I know when my pot roast is done?
It’s perfect when fork-tender and easily pulls apart without resistance.
Italian Pot Roast Stracotto
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Pot Roast Stracotto, a dish that promises tender, juicy beef simmered to perfection in a rich, aromatic sauce. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of savory goodness that evokes the warmth of family gatherings and cherished memories. Perfect for any occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes, making it a go-to comfort food you’ll want to savor time and again.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 large Sweet Onions, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 large Carrots, cut into thick chunks
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 1 cup Dry Red Wine
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the beef chuck roast in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from pot.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced.
- Return the roast to the pot; add beef broth and herbs. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and let simmer on low for 3-4 hours or until fork-tender.
- Shred or slice the Stracotto and serve over polenta or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
