Italian Pot Roast Stracotto

This Italian Pot Roast Stracotto is the embodiment of slow-cooked comfort. Hailing from Tuscany, this dish features a beef chuck roast gently braised in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. The long braising time allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become irresistibly tender, practically falling apart with a fork. Whether served over creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or fresh pasta, the result is a warm, hearty dish that fills both your belly and your soul.

What makes Stracotto special is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a luxurious dish through time and patience. It’s ideal for Sunday dinners, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying the process of slow cooking. The dish also stores and reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day. One bite and you’ll understand why this traditional Italian favorite remains a beloved classic across generations.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 cups beef broth

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute more.

4. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

6. Return the beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a 325°F (163°C) oven.

7. Braise for 3–3.5 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.

8. Remove the beef and shred it. Discard the bay leaf and return shredded beef to the sauce.

9. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Origins of Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)

Italian Pot Roast, also known as Stracotto di Manzo, is a comforting and traditional dish that has deep roots in Tuscan and central Italian cuisine. The name stracotto literally means “overcooked” in Italian, but in the best possible way. It refers to the technique of braising meat slowly over a long period of time until it becomes incredibly tender and infused with the complex flavors of the braising liquid.

This method was historically a way to make use of tougher cuts of meat, like beef chuck, which require time and gentle cooking to become soft and flavorful. Families would let it simmer for hours on Sunday while they gathered together, filling the home with the irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and wine. It is both humble and hearty—a true product of Italian slow-cooking traditions.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

The beauty of Stracotto lies in its simplicity and depth. With just a handful of common ingredients—beef, tomatoes, red wine, garlic, onions, carrots, and herbs—you create a dish that tastes rich, complex, and deeply satisfying. The secret isn’t in fancy techniques or rare ingredients; it’s in the slow transformation that happens when these components simmer together for hours.

The dish delivers an unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the long braising process. Every fiber of the beef becomes infused with the robust sauce, creating a meal that feels gourmet without the effort of a restaurant-style dish. Plus, it’s versatile: it pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread.

Nutritional Benefits of Slow-Braised Beef

Despite being a comfort food, Italian Pot Roast can be a nutritious option, especially when made with whole ingredients. Beef chuck roast, when trimmed of excess fat, is a great source of high-quality protein and iron. The braising liquid includes garlic and tomatoes—both known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Carrots, celery, and onions (the “soffritto” base of many Italian recipes) add fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and richness of the meat. Using olive oil instead of butter adds healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a heart-friendlier choice.

You also control the salt, fat, and portion sizes at home, making this a better alternative to takeout or processed meals. Serve it with a healthy base like whole grain polenta or quinoa for a well-balanced dinner.

Why It’s a Perfect Recipe for Home Cooks

This dish is ideal for beginner and intermediate cooks alike. Though it may look sophisticated, the recipe itself is incredibly forgiving. You don’t need special equipment—just a Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid. It’s also a “hands-off” recipe for most of its cooking time, making it perfect for busy weekends or dinner parties when you want to impress without being stuck in the kitchen.

Another advantage? Stracotto is even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. It freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over multiple meals.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Stracotto is a flexible dish that pairs well with many different side options. Traditionally, it’s served over:

• Creamy polenta for a classic Tuscan experience
• Pappardelle or fettuccine pasta for an indulgent twist
• Mashed potatoes for an Italian-American comfort vibe
• Rustic bread to mop up every drop of the savory sauce

A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes an excellent side to balance the richness of the dish. For beverages, serve with the same red wine used in the recipe—like Chianti or Barbera—for a harmonious flavor match.

Ideal for Every Occasion

Whether you’re making Sunday supper, hosting friends for dinner, or prepping meals in advance, Stracotto works for any occasion. It has that celebratory feeling you want during holidays or gatherings but is simple enough to whip up on a lazy weekend afternoon.

You can scale the recipe up or down depending on the size of your family or guest list. It’s also a great make-ahead dish for busy weeks—cook it on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.

Cost-Effective Yet Impressive

One of the best things about this dish is how affordable it is. Beef chuck roast is generally one of the more economical cuts of beef, yet the long, slow cooking process transforms it into a luxurious-tasting meal. This makes it a smart choice for feeding a crowd or stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing taste.

Additionally, most of the other ingredients are pantry staples: canned tomatoes, dried herbs, garlic, onion, and carrots. That means you can make this dish with minimal planning and very little shopping.

Tips for Best Results

• Sear the beef well: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef before braising—it adds layers of flavor and locks in juices.
• Use a good red wine: Choose a dry red wine that you would drink, not cooking wine. The quality of the wine makes a big difference in the sauce’s flavor.
• Let it rest: After braising, allow the meat to rest before shredding. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Thicken if needed: If your sauce is too thin after braising, simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Variations You Can Try

• Add mushrooms for an earthier version
• Toss in black olives or capers for a Southern Italian twist
• Swap beef for lamb or pork for a different flavor profile
• Use fresh herbs if available—rosemary, thyme, and parsley elevate the dish beautifully
• Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes

Conclusion

Italian Pot Roast Stracotto is much more than a beef dish—it’s a heartfelt reminder of how traditional cooking methods and quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. Its deep flavors, fork-tender texture, and rustic charm make it a timeless recipe that deserves a place in every home cook’s rotation.

This dish embodies everything we love about Italian food: simplicity, flavor, and love. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining friends, or just cooking for yourself, this pot roast delivers comfort, elegance, and incredible taste—all in one unforgettable meal.