1. Prepare the Meat
- Season the Roast:
- Generously season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Meat:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix well.
4. Cook the Roast
- Add the Roast Back to the Pot:
- Place the seared roast back into the pot, nestling it into the vegetable mixture.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with its lid.
- Slow Cook:
- Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
5. Finish and Serve
- Check for Doneness:
- Remove the pot from the oven and check the meat for tenderness. It should easily pull apart with a fork.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves. Slice or shred the meat and serve with the sauce and vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips for Perfect Stracotto
- Quality Meat: Use a well-marbled chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Searing: Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Slow Cooking: Cooking low and slow is key to achieving tender, flavorful meat.
Variations to Try
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Wine Substitutes: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with additional beef broth.
- Root Vegetables: Add root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
Stracotto is a comforting and flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meat and rich sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Stracotto lies in slow cooking and using quality ingredients. By following this guide, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Stracotto!