Italian Pot Roast

Italian Pot Roast

Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Introduction

Italian Pot Roast, or Stracotto, is a classic Italian comfort food that’s beloved for its rich, deep flavors and tender texture. This hearty dish, featuring slow-cooked beef infused with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a touch of bacon, offers a taste of traditional Italian home cooking. Perfect for a family meal or a special gathering, Stracotto transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying feast. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the savory notes from the vegetables and seasonings, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether served over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta, this pot roast is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients

Meat

• 4 oz bacon
• 3 lbs beef (chuck roast or similar)

Fruits and Vegetables

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes (diced or whole)

Canned Goods

• 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Dice the bacon, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and set all aside.

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

1. Brown the Beef:

• Season the beef with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high. Sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

1. Add the Tomatoes:

• Stir in the can of tomatoes (with juice) and cook for another 2 minutes.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

1. Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.

1. Finish:

• Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred or slice as desired. Discard the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.

1. Serve:

• Serve the Italian Pot Roast with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta. Top with the crispy bacon bits you reserved earlier.

Conclusion

This Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) is a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender beef, infused with the flavors of bacon, herbs, and vegetables, creates a comforting and hearty meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a gathering of friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. The blend of Italian seasonings and slow-cooked goodness makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every flavorful bite, and savor the delicious results that will have everyone saying yummy