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–+ servings
Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Irresistible Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) for Cozy Dinners

Enjoy a warm Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) that combines rich flavors and effortless cooking for your next cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauté Base
  • 4 oz Bacon or Pancetta Adds a smoky flavor; use olive oil for a lighter touch.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for even distribution of flavor.
  • 1 medium Carrot Chopped or sliced.
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder flavor.
For the Beef
  • 3 lbs Beef Chuck Select cuts perfect for slow cooking.
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Sauce
  • 4 cups Beef Broth Replace some with wine for deeper flavor.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Or use tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
  • 2 tsp Fresh Thyme Or dried thyme as a substitute.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Or dried rosemary as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Oregano can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before serving.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the diced bacon or pancetta in a Dutch oven over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.
  2. Season the beef chuck liberally with salt and pepper. Sear in the same pot on high heat for 4–6 minutes on each side until a rich brown crust develops.
  3. Sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery for 7–10 minutes over medium heat until tender and caramelized.
  4. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes, add thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
  6. Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 2–4 hours on stovetop, or bake at 275°F for the same duration.
  7. Check the beef for doneness, it should be fork-tender. If on stovetop or oven, the sauce should be bubbling.
  8. Once tender, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish freezes beautifully; portion out leftovers and reheat gently for an effortlessly delicious meal.

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