This Italian pot roast, known as straccato, is a hearty dish that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. It’s slow-cooked with tasty herbs and tender veggies until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth soft!
Just wait until you serve it with some creamy polenta or fresh bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I can’t resist sneaking a taste while it simmers—we all know that feeling! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Pot Roast: Chuck roast is perfect for this dish due to its fat content, which keeps it juicy. If you can’t find chuck, look for brisket or round roast as alternatives. Both will still give you that tender result!
Olive Oil: This adds rich flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or vegetable oil works fine. But I still recommend going with olive for its taste!
Red Wine: Optional but enhances the flavor. Can’t use it? Just double up on the beef broth or add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Carrots and Potatoes: Feel free to switch up the vegetables! Parsnips, turnips, or even parboiled celery can be lovely add-ins. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on size to ensure everything cooks evenly!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Roast?
Searing is key for building flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your pot is hot before adding the oil. This helps to get a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if your roast is large, cut it in half to ensure it browns evenly.
- Let the meat sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This will give you a beautiful crust!
Following these steps will create a great base for your sauce and ensure lots of flavor in your pot roast!
Why Slow Cooking Makes a Difference?
Slow cooking allows flavors to deepen and the meat to tenderize perfectly. Here’s how to do it well:
- Keep the heat low to avoid boiling. A gentle simmer works best!
- Check occasionally, but avoid lifting the lid too often as it lets heat escape.
- Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
This method ensures your roast becomes fork-tender and packed with delicious flavors!
How to Make Italian Pot Roast (Straccato)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs (about 1.4 kg) beef pot roast (such as chuck roast)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
- 4-5 large carrots, peeled and whole or halved depending on size
- 4-5 small new potatoes or baby potatoes, scrubbed
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
The preparation for this Italian pot roast takes about 15 minutes, followed by 3 to 3.5 hours of slow cooking. You’ll want to plan ahead as it takes a little time, but the end result is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
First, pat your pot roast dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step helps to get a nice sear! Season all sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sear the Meat:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef roast in the pot. Sear it on all sides until it’s deeply browned, which will take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
4. Deglaze and Build Sauce:
Now stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and red wine (if using). Stir everything together and make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return Meat and Add Herbs:
Carefully return the seared roast to the pot. Then, add the fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Cover the pot with a lid and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
6. Slow Cook:
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low so that the liquid just barely simmers. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2 hours. This step is all about low and slow cooking to tenderize that beautiful cut of meat!
7. Add Vegetables:
After 2 hours, add the whole carrots and the scrubbed baby potatoes around the roast. Cover the pot again and continue cooking for another 1-1.5 hours. At this point, the meat should be fork-tender and the vegetables should be cooked through.
8. Finish and Garnish:
Once everything is nice and tender, remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs, as well as the bay leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Using two forks, shred the beef slightly for that “straccato” look.
9. Serve:
Ladle the flavorful meat, vegetables, and sauce into bowls or onto a serving platter. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley! This dish is perfect with crusty bread or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce.
This traditional Italian-style pot roast is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich, comforting flavor! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find chuck roast, you can use brisket or a round roast. Both cuts will become tender with slow cooking. Just ensure they’re marbled for the best flavor!
Can I Make This Dish in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply follow the same preparation steps and then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for about 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed.
What Should I Serve with Italian Pot Roast?
This savory dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables can also brighten up the meal!
