Go Back
+ servings
Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

This comforting Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) is the ultimate fall and winter dinner, featuring a rich tomato and red wine sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 716 kcal

Equipment

  • 7 to 8 quart Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

Meat and Seasonings

  • 4 pounds beef chuck roast excess fat trimmed
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Olive oil for searing and cooking

Vegetables

  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 medium carrots finely diced (about 2.5 cups diced)
  • 4 stalks celery finely diced
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 4 ounces diced pancetta

Liquids and Condiments

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 cup red wine Merlot or Pinot Noir
  • 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes blended
  • 1.5 to 2 cups beef broth plus more as needed
  • 6 sprigs fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, oregano
  • Chopped Italian parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Season the chuck roast with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper on both sides. Heat a few drizzles of olive oil in a large 8-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast until a golden brown crust forms, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • Add more oil to the pot (do not wipe clean), and sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 8 minutes, using their moisture to help deglaze the brown bits. If not enough moisture, add a splash of broth to deglaze.
  • Push the vegetables to the side, then sauté the garlic and pancetta until fragrant, about 2 more minutes. Stir everything back together.
  • Add in the tomato paste and minced fresh herbs, stirring to coat the vegetables. Then, add the red wine and deglaze any remaining brown bits. Stir in the blended canned tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Return the seared beef into the pot, ensuring it’s nearly covered with liquid, adding more broth if needed. Nestle in the herb sprigs, pushing them under the liquid. Bring back to a simmer.
  • Once it’s simmering, cover with the lid and transfer to the oven braise for 3 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
  • Once it’s ready, you’ll notice some of the fat on top - absorb it with a paper towel or remove with a spoon and discard.
  • When ready to serve, shred the meat into smaller pieces. Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta or pasta. Enjoy!

Notes

Canned whole tomatoes taste better than crushed canned tomatoes. You can puree them yourself using a blender. Searing the beef is essential for flavor. Cook as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate overnight for better flavor. Can freeze in smaller portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 716kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 63gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 221mgSodium: 1571mgPotassium: 1632mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 5585IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 135mgIron: 8mg
Keyword beef roast, braised beef, comfort food, Italian Pot Roast, Slow-Cooked, Stracotto
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!