Hearty Italian Pot Roast Stracotto Recipe for Sunday Comfort

Slow-cooked italian pot roast stracotto brings tender, mouthwatering magic to your dinner table.

Generations of italian cooks have perfected this hearty dish through careful technique and deep culinary passion.

Rich braising liquids infuse meat with incredible depth and complexity.

Robust red wine creates a luxurious sauce that intensifies flavor profiles dramatically.

Succulent chunks of beef practically melt against your fork, revealing layers of rustic comfort.

Aromatic herbs whisper traditional countryside secrets into each delectable bite.

Let this classic recipe transport you straight to the rolling hills of tuscany, where simple ingredients become extraordinary meals.

Storing Italian Pot Roast Stracotto Correctly

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap pot roast tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place roast in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Transfer roast to oven-safe dish, add small amount of broth. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs About Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

• What cuts of beef work best for Stracotto?

Chuck roast or beef brisket are ideal because they have enough marbling and connective tissue that break down during slow cooking, creating tender and flavorful meat.

• Can I make this recipe without red wine?

While wine adds depth, you can substitute with beef broth or grape juice to maintain moisture and add complexity to the dish’s flavor profile.

• How do I know when the meat is perfectly cooked?

The beef is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F, indicating the collagen has fully broken down.

• Is this dish authentic to a specific Italian region?

Stracotto originates from Tuscany, where slow-braising meats in wine and herbs is a traditional cooking method representing the region’s rustic culinary heritage.

Why Italian Pot Roast Stracotto Is So Delicious

• Craft Comfort Food: This Italian pot roast delivers deep, rich flavors that wrap you in pure culinary warmth, perfect for satisfying hearty hunger.
• Master Slow-Cooking Magic: Transform tough beef cuts into meltingly tender meat through a patient, low-temperature cooking method that develops incredible depth of taste.
• Build One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single Dutch oven that handles everything from searing to braising, making meal preparation incredibly simple and streamlined.
• Celebrate Rustic Elegance: Impress family and guests with a classic Italian dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a countryside kitchen, elevating your home cooking game.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

• Beef Chuck Roast: A flavorful, tough cut of meat that becomes tender and succulent when slow-cooked.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a rich, deep base flavor to the dish.
• Carrots, Celery: Add sweetness and earthy undertones to the pot roast.

• Red Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid for braising the meat.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Contribute acidity and thickness to the sauce.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the roast with aromatic flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing and adding a smooth, rich base to the cooking process.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.

How to Cook Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 325F (165C) to create the perfect cooking environment for a mouthwatering roast.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

• Beef roast
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Generously season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on all sides until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms, creating deep flavor. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Hearty Vegetables

• Carrots
• Celery

Introduce chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Let them dance and soften for another 5 minutes, building layers of rich flavor.

Step 5: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour red wine into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with incredible taste.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

• Beef broth
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Return the seared beef to the pot. Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sprinkle in fresh rosemary and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Slow Roast to Perfection

Cover the Dutch oven and slide it into the preheated oven. Let the roast cook slowly for 3 to 4 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender, practically falling apart with the gentlest touch.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the roast to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Slice or shred the meat and serve alongside the vegetables and rich, flavorful gravy.

Kitchen Tips for Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

• Select a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Sear the meat thoroughly to lock in juices and develop a rich, caramelized exterior before braising.
• Use a robust red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the depth of the sauce and tenderize the meat.
• Allow the roast to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and make slicing easier.
• Keep leftover stracotto in an airtight container for up to 4 days, as the flavors will continue to develop and improve over time.

Variations to Try with Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace rosemary and thyme with oregano, basil, and marjoram for a brighter, more complex Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Red Pepper Pot Roast: Add diced red bell peppers and a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat and sweet undertone to the traditional recipe.
• Wine Country Variation: Swap red wine with a rich Chianti or Barolo, enhancing the dish's depth and creating a more sophisticated Italian countryside experience.
• Rustic Mushroom Enhancement: Incorporate porcini or wild mushrooms during the last hour of cooking to introduce an earthy, umami-rich dimension to the classic pot roast.

Pairing Ideas for Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

• Pair with Bold Tuscan Red Wine: Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino perfectly complement the rich, hearty flavors of the stracotto with their robust tannic structure and deep fruit notes.
• Create Creamy Polenta Accompaniment: Smooth, buttery polenta provides a luxurious base that absorbs the delicious braising liquid, creating a perfect side dish that enhances the meat's tenderness.
• Serve with Rustic Crusty Bread: Thick slices of artisan sourdough or ciabatta help soak up the savory gravy, offering a delightful textural contrast and allowing diners to capture every delicious drop of the sauce.

Italian Pot Roast Stracotto Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian pot roast stracotto invites comfort and warmth from rustic Italian kitchens. Slow-braised beef melts with rich red wine and aromatic herbs, promising a soulful dining experience you’ll savor with deep satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3 to 4 pounds (1.36 to 1.81 kilograms) beef chuck roast

Vegetables:

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) red wine
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 325F (165C), preparing for a slow-cooking Italian culinary adventure.
2. Sizzle olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over robust heat, generously seasoning the beef with salt and pepper. Create a golden-brown exterior by searing each side meticulously.
3. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, dancing them in the pot until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate chopped carrots and celery, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Deglaze the pot with robust red wine, carefully scraping up the flavorful caramelized bits clinging to the bottom.
6. Reunite the seared beef with the vegetable medley, then cascade beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic rosemary and thyme into the vessel.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
8. Seal the Dutch oven and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the roast to transform over 3 to 4 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and effortlessly pulls apart.
9. After removing from the oven, let the roast rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Carve the roast and present alongside the rich vegetables and luxurious gravy, inviting diners to savor this traditional Italian comfort dish.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast or bottom round for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Wine Wisdom: Use a dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the depth of flavor and tenderize the meat during slow cooking.
• Low and Slow Magic: Cooking at a consistent low temperature ensures the beef becomes incredibly soft and absorbs all the delicious herb and vegetable essences.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and reheating for intensified flavors and easier meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg