Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)
Discover the rich flavors of our Italian Pot Roast Stracotto recipe, featuring beef, bacon, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and a robust blend of herbs and tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty family dinner!
Personal Story Behind the Recipe
Every bite of this Italian Pot Roast Stracotto takes me back to my grandmother’s bustling kitchen in Florence, where family secrets and laughter were as plentiful as the dishes we shared. This recipe was her Sunday specialty, passed down through generations. The aroma of simmering beef mingled with herbs was the signal that a feast was about to unfold, one that promised hours of slow-cooked perfection. Making this dish now fills my home with nostalgia and invites me to continue a legacy of love and deliciousness in every tender forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)
Our Italian Pot Roast Stracotto recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to Italy without leaving your kitchen! Here’s why it stands out:
- Flavorful Foundation: Starting with the savory base of bacon or pancetta, this dish builds layers of umami and richness right from the onset.
- Versatility in Cooking: Whether you prefer the slow and low approach of a dutch oven, the convenience of a slow cooker, or the steady warmth of an oven, this recipe adapts to your style.
- Herbaceous Harmony: The combination of thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning infuses the roast with traditional Italian flavors that deepen as it cooks.
- Family Friendly: Large enough to feed a crowd and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s perfect for any gathering or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients Notes
When preparing our Italian Pot Roast Stracotto, each ingredient plays a pivotal role in crafting the ultimate comfort dish:
- Meat Selection: Opt for chuck beef for its fat content which melts into tender, flavorful bites.
- Herb Choices: Fresh herbs bring brightness, but dried versions are just as effective when simmered over long periods.
- Bacon Base: Pancetta or bacon not only adds a smoky depth but also enriches the cooking fats used to sear the beef, embedding flavor from the very first step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)
Let’s delve into making the Italian Pot Roast Stracotto, a process that transforms simple ingredients into a sumptuous feast:
- Prep and Sear: Start by rendering the bacon to crisp perfection, then use the rich fat to brown the seasoned beef chunks. This method locks in juices and sets the stage for deep flavors.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, the onions, carrots, and celery are softened, becoming the sweet and savory backbone of the dish.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in garlic and spices until fragrant, then pour in broth and tomatoes, crafting a hearty sauce that will slowly permeate the beef with herby, robust tastes.
- Slow Cooking Mastery: Depending on your method—stovetop, oven, or slow cooker—this step is about patience as the beef transforms into fork-tender decadence.
Storage Options
Leftover Italian Pot Roast Stracotto? No problem! It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Ensure it’s stored in airtight containers to maintain its delicious flavors. Reheat gently to retain the tender texture.
Variations and Substitutions
Customize your Italian Pot Roast Stracotto to fit your taste or pantry:
- Meat Alternatives: Try veal or pork shoulder for a different twist on the classic texture.
- Veggie Variants: Mushrooms or bell peppers can add earthiness or a slight sweetness.
- No Bacon, No Problem: Skip the bacon for a lighter version or use a splash of olive oil for richness without the meat.
Explore other delectable dishes, tips on cooking techniques, and much more on our blog, ensuring you’re equipped to make every meal memorable. Happy cooking!
Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of bacon or pancetta, finely diced (optional)
- 3 pounds of beef preferably chuck, cut into three large pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of onion finely diced
- 1 cup of carrot finely diced
- 1 cup of celery finely diced
- 1 tablespoon of garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 14.5 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by preheating a large oven-safe saucepan (preferably a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the diced bacon or pancetta and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Searing the Beef: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and place the beef in the pan. Sear the beef on all sides, approximately 4-6 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Vegetable Sauté: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
- Adding Garlic and Spices: Incorporate the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the pan, cooking until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Creating the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the chopped thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and return the cooked bacon to the pan. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cooking the Beef: Return the seared beef to the saucepan. Either bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, covering and simmering until the beef is tender and falling apart, approximately 2-4 hours; or cover and transfer to an oven preheated to 275°F (140°C) and cook until tender, about 2-4 hours; or place in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Once the beef is tender, season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy this exquisite and hearty Italian Pot Roast Stracotto as a centerpiece for a sophisticated dinner.
