Best Italian Pot Roast Stracotto Recipe

Italian pot roast stracotto: beef chuck seared, then braised in red wine and crushed tomatoes for about 4 hours until fork-tender. Ready in 4 hr 20 min.

By Tyla

Prep

20 min

Cook

4 hr

Total

4 hr 20 min

Servings

6-8 servings

Ingredients


Tools that make this easier

Optional — the recipe works without them.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously all over with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Chop onion, carrots, celery, and mince garlic.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef until deeply browned on all sides, 3-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery to pot. Cook until softened, 8-10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  6. 6

    Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half, 5-7 minutes.

  7. 7

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Bring to simmer.

  8. 8

    Return beef to pot, nestling into sauce. Cover tightly with lid.

  9. 9

    Braise in preheated 325°F oven or on stovetop over low heat for 3-4 hours until beef is fork-tender.

  10. 10

    Remove from heat and let rest 15-20 minutes with lid on. Remove bay leaves.

  11. 11

    Shred beef with two forks or slice against grain. Return to sauce.

  12. 12

    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Used in this recipe: Enameled Dutch Oven Meat Shredding Claws (Amazon, affiliate links)


Notes

Tips for Success

  • Fork-tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef
  • Rich, deeply flavored sauce
  • Comforting, nourishing meal
  • Aromas fill the house while cooking
  • Tastes even better the next day

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Long cooking time requires patience
  • Can dry out if using leaner cuts
  • Sauce may be too thin or thick if not monitored
  • Requires careful searing for optimal flavor

Nutrition (per serving)

550-650 kcal

Calories