Description
A slow-braised Italian classic, this pot roast features tender beef chuck in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, perfect for hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5–2 kg (3.3–4.4 lb) beef chuck roast
- 30 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 60 g (2 oz, about 2 tbsp) tomato paste
- 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 240 ml (1 cup) red wine
- 480 ml (2 cups) beef broth
- Fresh thyme (2 sprigs)
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 1 anchovy fillet or 1 tsp anchovy paste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck dry and trim excess fat. Season all over with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the roast, about 12–14 minutes total.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until soft, about 6–8 minutes, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the red wine and scrape up browned bits, simmering until reduced.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaves, and optional anchovy to the pot.
- Return the beef to the pot, cover, and braise in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 2½–3 hours, turning once.
- Remove the beef, tent with foil, and skim excess fat from the sauce. Adjust seasoning and return meat to warm.
- Serve topped with chopped parsley over polenta or pasta.
Notes
For the best flavor, use well-marbled cuts and avoid cooking at too high temperatures. This dish is excellent for make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
