Stracotto is the Italian pot roast that deserves a spot in every home cook's recipe box! A seared roast is slowly braised in a rich, hearty tomato sauce until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Prep Time35 minutesmins
Cook Time5 hourshrs
Total Time5 hourshrs35 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, entree, Main Course, main dish
Cuisine: Italian, Italian American
Keyword: baked pot roast, best pot roast recipe, italian pot roast, italian pot roast recipe, italian pot roast stracotto, italian tomato pot roast, oven pot roast, oven roasted pot roast, pot roast recipe, stracotto, stracotto recipe, tomato pot roast
1cupdry red winesuch as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
1 ½cupsbeef broth
2tablespoonstomato paste
2cupscrushed tomatoesabout 1 14-ounce can
2bay leaves
5sprigsfresh thymeor 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1sprigfresh rosemaryor ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
saltto taste
ground black pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut 3-4 pounds chuck roast into a few smaller pieces, pat dry with paper towels, and season all sides of the beef with salt and ground black pepper.
Heat a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep crust has formed. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cups diced onion, 1 ½ cups diced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes before adding 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add 1 cup dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits up from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in 1 ½ cups beef broth, then add 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 2 bay leaves, 5 sprigs fresh thyme ,1 sprig fresh rosemary, and salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Add the beef back to the pot, then place the lid on and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 3 ½-5 hours, until the beef is easily shredded with two forks. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems before serving.
Notes
Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1- minute increments, or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Freezer: Store the cooked pot roast and sauce in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator for 24 hours (or longer if needed), then heat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.