Name: Savory Stracotto: 5-Star Italian Pot Roast Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 pounds Chuck Roast (Swap for top sirloin for a leaner option.); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Used for browning the roast and sautéing vegetables.); 1 tablespoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped.); 2 medium Carrots (Diced.); 2 stalks Celery (Diced.); 4 ounces Pancetta (Can be replaced with turkey bacon.); 12 cloves Garlic (2 chopped for sauté, 10 sliced for braising.); 1 cup Dry Red Wine (For a non-alcoholic option, use pomegranate juice.); 2 cups Beef Broth (Ensure it’s complemented with enough water.); 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (Choose imported Italian brands.); 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 2 leaves Bay Leaves; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (For garnish.); 1 cup Polenta (Coarse ground is ideal.); 4 cups Chicken Broth or Water; 1 cup Half-and-Half (Can substitute with milk or a non-dairy alternative.); 4 ounces Gorgonzola Cheese (Can swap with Cheddar or Parmesan.); 2 tablespoons Butter

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Stracotto is a delightful Italian pot roast that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. This dish features melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef, infused with rich flavors that make it a culinary favorite. As the beef slowly braises, it becomes incredibly tender, accompanied by a creamy Gorgonzola polenta that elevates the experience. Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Stracotto

This Stracotto recipe is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating a memorable meal experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

It features braised beef that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
It pairs beautifully with creamy Gorgonzola polenta.
Rich flavors from slow-braised meat enhance your palate.
Easy to prepare, making it ideal for beginner cooks.
Authentic Italian flavors that deliver a taste of Italy at home.

This recipe showcases the traditional stracotto cooking methods that have been loved for generations.

Ingredients for Stracotto

Gather these items:

3 pounds Chuck Roast (Swap for top sirloin for a leaner option.)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Used for browning the roast and sautéing vegetables.)
1 tablespoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 medium Onion (Finely chopped.)
2 medium Carrots (Diced.)
2 stalks Celery (Diced.)
4 ounces Pancetta (Can be replaced with turkey bacon.)
12 cloves Garlic (2 chopped for sauté, 10 sliced for braising.)
1 cup Dry Red Wine (For a non-alcoholic option, use pomegranate juice.)
2 cups Beef Broth (Ensure it’s complemented with enough water.)
1 can Crushed Tomatoes (Choose imported Italian brands.)
2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
2 leaves Bay Leaves
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (For garnish.)
1 cup Polenta (Coarse ground is ideal.)
4 cups Chicken Broth or Water
1 cup Half-and-Half (Can substitute with milk or a non-dairy alternative.)
4 ounces Gorgonzola Cheese (Can swap with Cheddar or Parmesan.)
2 tablespoons Butter

How to Make Stracotto Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on each side for 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and pancetta for 7-8 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in 2 chopped garlic cloves, then add a splash of dry red wine and deglaze the pot.
Step 5: Return the roast to the pot and add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, sliced garlic, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Simmer gently.
Step 6: Cover tightly with foil and roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 7: For the polenta, combine chicken broth, half-and-half, polenta, salt, and pepper in a casserole dish. Bake alongside the roast for the last 40-45 minutes.
Step 8: Once done, stir in crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and butter into the polenta until creamy.
Step 9: Let the Stracotto rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve over polenta, garnished with parsley.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Stracotto

Keep these in mind:

Use a heavy pot for even heat distribution during cooking.
Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
Consider marinating the meat overnight for enhanced flavor.
Be cautious with the cooking time; overcooking can lead to dry meat.

Savory Stracotto: 5-Star Italian Pot Roast Recipe - Stracotto - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Stracotto

Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Use the leftover meat in a delicious tender beef stew the next day.

How to Store and Reheat Stracotto

After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep it moist. This dish is perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stracotto

What’s the secret to perfect Stracotto?

The secret lies in the slow cooking process, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the herbs and vegetables. Choosing the right cut of meat is also crucial; chuck roast works wonderfully for slow-braised meat beef.

Can I make Stracotto ahead of time?

Absolutely! Stracotto can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for special occasions recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Stracotto?

To avoid dry meat, keep an eye on the cooking time and ensure the pot is covered tightly. If you’re unsure about the temperature, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Variations of Stracotto You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to explore:

Substitute the chuck roast with brisket for a different flavor profile.
Add seasonal vegetables such as potatoes or mushrooms for a complete one-pot meal.
Try using different herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
Experiment with different wines; a robust Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the flavor beautifully.

Each variation highlights the flexibility of this classic Italian dish, making it a staple in many homes.

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