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Italian Pot Roast

Italian Pot Roast: Cozy Comfort Food for Family Dinners

Savor the heartwarming flavors of Italian pot roast, a minimal-effort dish that transforms tough beef into a tender delight.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 4 slices bacon or pancetta Adds depth of flavor and richness; can be omitted
  • 3 pounds beef chuck Main protein providing robust flavor
For the Vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon pepper Essential for seasoning
  • 1 medium onion Diced, yellow or white works best
  • 2 medium carrots Diced, provides sweetness
  • 2 stalks celery Diced, contributes fresh flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic Chopped, fresh preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat
  • 4 cups beef broth Homemade or low-sodium recommended
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes Canned, for acidity
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary Fresh or dried
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Or oregano, for complexity
  • 2 leaves bay leaves Remove before serving

Equipment

  • oven-safe saucepan
  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Steps for Cooking
  1. In a large, oven-safe saucepan, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Season the beef chuck with salt and pepper, then sear in bacon grease for 15–20 minutes until browned.
  3. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until tender, roughly 7–10 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes, add herbs, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return seared beef and bacon to the pot, cover, and cook on low for 2–4 hours or in the oven at 275°F.
  7. Check for tenderness; it should easily pull apart when done.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning, serve hot over polenta, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, brown the beef well, use quality broth, check for tenderness, and adjust seasoning before serving.

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