Welcome to the ultimate guide for making delicious Stracotto, an Italian-style pot roast! This slow-cooked dish is rich, tender, and full of deep, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stracotto is a classic Italian dish known for its tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this pot roast is infused with herbs, vegetables, and wine, making it an incredibly satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
3-4 lb beef chuck roast
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Tongs
Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Recipe
Prepare the Meat
Season the Roast:
Generously season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Sear the Meat:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix well.
4. Cook the Roast
Add the Roast Back to the Pot:
Place the seared roast back into the pot, nestling it into the vegetable mixture.
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with its lid.
Slow Cook:
Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Finish and Serve
Check for Doneness:
Remove the pot from the oven and check the meat for tenderness. It should easily pull apart with a fork.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
Remove the bay leaves. Slice or shred the meat and serve with the sauce and vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips for Perfect Stracotto
Quality Meat: Use a well-marbled chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
Searing: Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Slow Cooking: Cooking low and slow is key to achieving tender, flavorful meat.
Variations to Try
Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or sage for a different flavor profile.
Wine Substitutes: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with additional beef broth.
Root Vegetables: Add root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
Stracotto is a comforting and flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meat and rich sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Stracotto lies in slow cooking and using quality ingredients. By following this guide, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Stracotto!
