Stracotto: The Ultimate Guide to Italian Pot Roast
Stracotto, meaning "overcooked" in Italian, is a slow-cooked beef pot roast that’s rich, tender, and bursting with deep, savory flavors. This traditional dish, often paired with polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta, is simmered for hours in a flavorful sauce of red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for Sunday dinners or special gatherings, this hearty and comforting meal will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and satisfy everyone at the table.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot For slow cooking
- Mixing Bowls For marinating the beef
- Tongs For browning the meat
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
- Cutting Board & Knife For prepping vegetables
- Measuring Cups & Spoons For accurate seasoning
Ingredients
For the Beef & Marinade:
- 3 pounds chuck roast or brisket, short ribs
- 2 cups dry red wine Chianti, Barolo, or Sangiovese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
- 1 teaspoon rosemary chopped fresh or dried
Optional Garnishes & Add-Ins:
- Fresh parsley – For garnish
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle on top
- Roasted mushrooms or pearl onions – Added for depth
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Beef
- Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season all sides with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Place in a bowl or resealable bag. Add garlic and red wine, ensuring the beef is submerged.
- Cover and marinate for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator.
2️⃣ Sear the Beef
- Remove beef from marinade and pat dry (reserve the marinade).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
3️⃣ Prepare the Soffritto Base
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the reserved wine marinade, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
4️⃣ Slow Cook the Stracotto
- Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Check for Doneness & Serve
- The beef is ready when it shreds easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta, ladling the sauce generously over the beef.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
🍴 Expert Tips & Tricks
- ✅ Use good-quality wine – The wine is essential for deep flavor, so choose a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking.
- ✅ Let the beef marinate overnight – This ensures the flavors penetrate deeply.
- ✅ Don’t skip browning the meat – It builds a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the final dish.
- ✅ Slow and low cooking is key – Be patient; the longer the beef cooks, the more tender it becomes.
- ✅ Adjust the sauce consistency – If too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
🌿 Variations & Substitutions
- ✨ Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free! Skip the Parmesan garnish.
- ✨ Gluten-Free: Serve with mashed potatoes or gluten-free pasta.
- ✨ Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, pearl onions, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- ✨ Spicy Option: Increase red pepper flakes for heat.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- 📌 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- 📌 Freezing: Freeze beef and sauce together for up to 3 months.
- 📌 Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of broth.
- Oven: Reheat covered at 300°F (150°C) until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with:
- 🥗 Classic Italian Salad: Crisp greens with balsamic dressing.
- 🍷 Wine Pairing: Chianti, Barolo, or Sangiovese.
- 🍞 Rustic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- 🔹 Can I use a slow cooker?
- Yes! Follow the same steps for marinating, searing, and sautéing the vegetables. Then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- 🔹 What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce. Alternatively, blend a portion of the cooked vegetables into the sauce for natural thickening.
- 🔹 Can I make Stracotto ahead of time?
- Yes! Stracotto tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
- 🔹 What can I use instead of red wine?
- For a non-alcoholic version, use beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the wine’s acidity and depth.