Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Delicious Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) for Cozy Family Dinners

This Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) is a cozy family dinner featuring tender beef slow-braised in rich tomato sauce, perfect for chilly evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3 pounds Beef Chuck Main protein; can substitute with boneless short ribs or eye of round.
  • Bacon (or Pancetta) Optional for a lighter version.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Onion, diced Provides sweetness and depth.
  • 1 cup Carrot, diced Adds subtle sweetness; can substitute with parsnips.
  • 1 cup Celery, diced Contributes to the aromatic base.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings; adjust to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Provides moisture; can replace partially with wine.
  • 14.5 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Base of the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic, chopped Provides savory depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for spice.
For the Herbs
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried.
  • 1 teaspoon Rosemary Fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Or Oregano.
  • 2 Bay Leaves Imparts earthy notes during cooking.
Final Touches
  • Salt and Pepper to taste Adjust seasoning before serving.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Cook diced bacon or pancetta in a large oven-safe saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
  2. Season the beef chuck with salt and pepper, then sear in the same pan for 4-6 minutes on each side.
  3. Sauté diced onion, carrot, and celery in the remaining bacon grease for 7-10 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in chopped garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes, add thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning, then stir well.
  6. Return seared beef to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce, then choose your cooking method.
  7. Once the cooking time is up, check that the beef is fork-tender, adjust seasoning, and remove bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Allow ample time for simmering for the best flavor and tenderness. Leftovers freeze well for up to three months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!