Pot Roast Straccato,

Pot Roast Stracotto, also known as “stracotto di manzo,” is a traditional Italian dish that features tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich, flavorful broth of red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The word “stracotto” means “overcooked” in Italian, highlighting the slow-cooking process that breaks down the beef until it melts in your mouth. This hearty dish is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion, particularly during the colder months when you’re craving something warm and filling. Pot Roast Stracotto is usually served with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – the ingredients do the work, and with minimal preparation, you can create a deeply flavorful, fork-tender roast.

Ingredients:

For the Pot Roast Stracotto:

• 3 lb chuck roast or brisket
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Season the beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3:
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4:
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5:
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Step 6:
Return the seared beef to the pot, nestling it into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid.

Step 7:
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and braise for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily falls apart.

Step 8:
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. If the sauce is too thin, place the pot on the stovetop and simmer it for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Step 9:
Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the Pot Roast Stracotto with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Variation:

• Stracotto al Vino Rosso: Increase the red wine amount to 2 cups for a richer, more intense wine flavor.
• Spicy Stracotto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
• Stracotto with Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the vegetables when sautéing for a deeper umami flavor.

Cooking Note:

• Stracotto is best cooked low and slow. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes, so don’t rush the process.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
• You can make this dish a day ahead as the flavors will intensify overnight.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pot Roast Stracotto pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or a bed of buttery egg noodles.
• Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables.
• For an authentic Italian experience, enjoy it with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Barolo, which complements the rich flavors of the roast.

Tips:

• Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the step of searing the beef. Browning the meat adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also prepare this dish in a slow cooker. After searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
• Freezing Stracotto: This dish freezes well. Let the stracotto cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 3-4 hours (braising)

Total Time:

• 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Sodium: 750 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Pot Roast Stracotto?
Yes, you can use other tough cuts of beef such as beef shoulder or round roast. However, chuck roast or brisket works best because they become tender when slow-cooked.

2. Can I make Pot Roast Stracotto without wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute an equal amount of beef broth or a combination of broth and balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, Pot Roast Stracotto tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together as it sits, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

5. What can I serve with Pot Roast Stracotto?
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even over rice. Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

Pot Roast Stracotto is a classic Italian comfort food that brings robust flavors to the table with minimal effort. Its slow-cooked tenderness and rich tomato and wine sauce make it a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or special occasion. The best part? This recipe is simple to prepare, allowing the ingredients to do the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen. Whether you serve it with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or hearty bread, Pot Roast Stracotto will undoubtedly become a family favorite, offering warmth, flavor, and an unforgettable dining experience.

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