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Stracotto (Italian Pot Roast)

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A hearty Italian pot roast that celebrates flavors and memories, slowly cooked to perfection for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces bacon or pancetta, diced (optional)
  • 3 pounds beef (like chuck), cut into 3 large pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrot, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Sear the meat: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon or pancetta, cooking until crispy. If skipping the bacon, add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Brown the beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper and sear each piece in the pot for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Add the aromatics: Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic and spices: Add garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute.
  5. Deglaze the pot: Pour in beef broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.
  6. Return the beef and bacon: Place seared beef back in the pot and pour juices over. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Slow cook: Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
  8. Finishing touches: Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cuts of meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stracotto, Italian Pot Roast, Comfort Food, Hearty Meal, Slow Cooked Beef

Find it online: https://cleanplatecravings.com/one-pot-stracotto-italian-pot-roast-busy-weeknights/