Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

Stracotto, or Italian Pot Roast, is a delicious, slow-cooked dish that turns a tough cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal. The beef is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, carrots, and red wine, absorbing all the Italian flavors as it becomes tender. This hearty dish is perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions and is traditionally served with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

I love making Stracotto because it’s a true comfort dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful as it absorbs the richness of the tomato sauce and wine. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with sides like Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe or Rich Banana Bread Recipe.

This dish is particularly satisfying when paired with a simple side salad or a fresh loaf of bread, but it’s equally delicious served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or creamy polenta.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Rich, Hearty Sauce: The combination of red wine, tomatoes, and Italian herbs creates a sauce that’s rich, savory, and perfect for spooning over pasta or polenta.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Classic Italian Comfort Food: Stracotto is a classic Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table.

Main Ingredients for Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

1. Beef Chuck Roast – A boneless chuck roast is perfect for this recipe because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
2. Red Wine – Adds depth and richness to the sauce, giving the pot roast a sophisticated flavor.
3. Crushed Tomatoes – Creates the base of the sauce, adding a rich, tomatoey flavor that complements the beef.
4. Garlic and Onion – Essential aromatics that form the flavor foundation of the sauce.
5. Carrots and Celery – Add sweetness and balance to the sauce, while also contributing texture and heartiness.
6. Italian Herbs – Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves infuse the dish with authentic Italian flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) Recipe

Here’s how to make this rich, flavorful pot roast step by step:

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat a 3-4 lb beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set it aside.
   • Tip: Searing the beef first locks in the juices and gives the meat a rich, caramelized flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
   • Pro Tip: Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as the vegetables cook to incorporate that flavor into the sauce.
3. Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour 1 cup of red wine into the pot and stir to deglaze, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it has reduced slightly.
   • Variation: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute beef broth or an equal amount of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth of flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz), 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 2 bay leaves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Tip: For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste at this stage.
5. Slow Cook the Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the roast simmer gently for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shredded. You can also transfer the pot to a 300°F (150°C) oven and bake it for the same amount of time.
   • Pro Tip: For extra depth of flavor, cook the roast in the oven. The slow, even heat helps develop a rich, complex sauce.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and slice or shred it. Stir the sauce and remove the bay leaves. Serve the beef with the sauce spooned over it, alongside pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
   • Serving Idea: For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Extra Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pot during the last hour of cooking for a more complete meal.
• Make It in a Slow Cooker: To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, simply transfer the seared beef, sautéed vegetables, and sauce to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
• How to Store: Leftover pot roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• How to Freeze: Stracotto freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Health Benefits of Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Beef chuck roast is a good source of protein and iron, supporting muscle repair and oxygen transport in the blood. The vegetables in this dish, like carrots and celery, provide vitamins and fiber, contributing to overall health. While this dish is rich and indulgent, you can enjoy it as part of a balanced meal, especially when paired with whole grains or vegetables.

• High in Protein: Beef is rich in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
• Iron-Rich: The beef and vegetables provide a good amount of iron, which is essential for energy production and healthy blood cells.
• Full of Antioxidants: The tomatoes, carrots, and celery are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that promote overall health.