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Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)


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  • Author: sadka
  • Total Time: 205 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

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
  • 1.52 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

  1. Pat the beef chuck dry and trim excess fat. Season all over with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the roast, about 12–14 minutes total.
  3. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until soft, about 6–8 minutes, then add garlic and cook briefly.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the red wine and scrape up browned bits, simmering until reduced.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaves, and optional anchovy to the pot.
  6. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and braise in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 2½–3 hours, turning once.
  7. Remove the beef, tent with foil, and skim excess fat from the sauce. Adjust seasoning and return meat to warm.
  8. 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