Italian pot roast, also known as stracotto, is one of Italy’s most popular comfort foods and represents authentic home cooking with plenty of flavor. In this recipe, a large piece of beef is slowly braised with aromatic vegetables, fine herbs, tomatoes, and a dash of red wine. Gently cooking at a low temperature allows the flavors to develop optimally, and the meat becomes incomparably tender and juicy. Stracotto is perfect for special occasions, a Sunday dinner with the family, or as the highlight of a festive menu.

Italian pot roast, also known as stracotto, is a true classic of Italian cuisine and represents hearty enjoyment and aromatic variety. In this traditional dish, high-quality beef is slowly braised with fresh vegetables, red wine, herbs, and tomatoes until the meat is wonderfully tender and practically melts in the mouth. The long cooking time ensures that all the flavors blend perfectly, creating a rich, full-flavored sauce. Stracotto is the ideal dish for cozy family dinners, festive occasions, or when you want to treat your guests to a special Sunday roast. With little effort and a little patience, you can conjure up an impressive dish that tastes of Italian joie de vivre and will enhance any dining table.
Italian Pot Roast (Stracotto)
Ingredients:
1.5 to 2 kg beef (e.g. roast or shoulder)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (dry)
1 cup beef broth
1 can (400 g) diced or passata tomatoes
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
2-3 leaves fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste for extra depth of flavor
Don’t miss the continued on the next page
Directions:

The recipe continues on the next page