🇮🇹🍷 Italian-Style Pot Roast (Stracotto)
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
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3–4 lbs chuck roast (or beef brisket)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2–3 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup red wine (Chianti or any dry red)
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or whole San Marzano (crushed by hand)
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh
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1–2 bay leaves
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
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Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Beef
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Pat roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
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Sear the roast on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
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In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed.
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Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5–6 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened.
3️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer
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Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4️⃣ Build the Braise
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Return the roast to the pot.
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Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, herbs, bay leaves, and optional chili flakes.
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Bring to a simmer, then cover.
5️⃣ Braise Low & Slow
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Cook on the stovetop over low heat or in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
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Flip roast once or twice during cooking for even braising.
6️⃣ Serve
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Remove roast and let rest briefly.
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Shred or slice the beef and return to sauce.
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Serve over polenta, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread.
✅ Tips
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Can be made 1 day ahead — flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
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Use a slow cooker (8 hrs on low) or Instant Pot (1 hour on high pressure) if needed.
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Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of sugar at the end to balance acidity.
Would you like a slow cooker adaptation, a no wine version, or ideas for Italian side dishes to serve with it?
