Traditional Italian Stracotto: Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Rich Flavor

If there’s one dish that embodies the heart of Italian comfort food, it’s Stracotto. Known as a slow-cooked beef pot roast, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Perfectly tender meat infused with the deep flavors of tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic herbs makes Stracotto irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or impressing guests, this Italian classic promises both simplicity and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients & Their Roles

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast: The star of the dish. Chuck roast becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking, absorbing flavors while maintaining rich, beefy texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the meat and sautéing vegetables, adding depth and a subtle fruitiness.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Builds a sweet and aromatic base for the sauce.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness and balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes a subtle earthy flavor, enhancing the overall aroma.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a warm, pungent note that complements the beef.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich sauce that envelopes the meat, bringing acidity and natural umami.
• 1 cup dry red wine: Deglazes the pot and infuses the meat with deep, complex flavors.
• 1 cup beef broth: Ensures moisture during slow cooking and enhances the beefy taste.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano & 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Classic Italian herbs that provide a fragrant, earthy dimension.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes that round out the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Seasoning fundamentals that balance and enhance all flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish at the end, adding color and freshness.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a touch of acidity and complexity, enriching the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds flavor. Remove the meat and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion turns translucent and vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. These vegetables create a flavorful base that will infuse the beef as it cooks.

3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom – this adds concentrated flavor. Let the wine reduce for 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine into a rich, aromatic sauce.

4. Return the Beef and Simmer

Place the seared beef roast back into the pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and cook slowly for 3-4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove the beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to deepen the sauce’s richness. Slice or shred the roast and serve with the vegetable sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

Stracotto is adored because it transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, elegant dish. The slow-cooking method ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The balance of acidity from tomatoes, sweetness from carrots, and depth from red wine creates a sauce so irresistible that it pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stracotto

• Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal for slow-cooking because of its marbling and connective tissue.
• Sear well: Don’t rush this step; the caramelized crust adds essential flavor to the sauce.
• Low and slow: Slow cooking at a gentle simmer ensures maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the sauce before serving; add salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar as needed.
• Rest before slicing: Let the beef rest to retain its juices for perfect tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stracotto over creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or alongside a slice of crusty Italian bread to soak up the rich sauce. Pair with a glass of full-bodied red wine for an authentic Italian dining experience.

Summary

Traditional Italian Stracotto is a testament to the beauty of slow-cooked comfort food. With tender beef, a rich tomato and red wine sauce, and aromatic herbs, it’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe guarantees a dish that is flavorful, hearty, and undeniably irresistible. Experience the timeless charm of Italian cuisine with this slow-cooked pot roast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3-4 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6 | Calories: Approx. 450 kcal per serving