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Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Savory Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) for Cozy Nights In

Experience comforting Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto) that warms the heart with its rich flavors and tender beef.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 piece Beef Chuck Roast or brisket/round roast as a substitute
For the Cooking Fat
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or vegetable oil as an alternative
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 pieces Carrots chopped
  • 2 pieces Celery Stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
For the Saucy Goodness
  • 1 cup Red Wine e.g. Chianti or Sangiovese
  • 2 cups Beef Stock or vegetable stock for gluten-free option
  • 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes canned
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
For the Herbs and Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme or fresh as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary or fresh as a substitute
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves
Optional Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Season the Roast: Generously season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned beef for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to infuse the flavors.
  5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in 1 cup of red wine, scraping the pot's bottom to lift browned bits. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Incorporate Liquids: Add 2 cups of beef stock, 14 oz of crushed tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste into the pot and stir well.
  7. Combine and Simmer: Return the seared beef and add dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover.
  8. Oven Cook: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), transfer the covered Dutch oven, and cook for 3-4 hours.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Remove the pot, let the beef rest, skim fat from the sauce, slice the meat, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Italian Pot Roast can be prepared a day ahead for deeper flavor. Adjust cooking time based on roast size.

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