Classic Italian dinner (Print)
Slow-braised beef in a tomato-herb sauce with veggies. This traditional Italian dish is perfect for a weekend meal with loved ones.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
3 pounds chuck or another cut of beef, divided into three big portions
02 -
4 ounces diced bacon or pancetta, if you want to add it
03 -
1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
04 -
Salt and pepper, use as much as you need
05 -
1 tablespoon minced garlic
06 -
1 cup chopped carrots
07 -
1 cup diced celery
08 -
1 cup onions, finely chopped
09 -
2 cups beef stock
10 -
1 teaspoon rosemary, minced (or half as much dried)
11 -
1 teaspoon thyme, minced (or half as much dried)
12 -
1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
13 -
2 bay leaves
14 -
1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
# Steps:
01 -
Crisp the bacon in a big pan or dutch oven over medium heat, then take it out.
02 -
Sprinkle the beef with some salt and pepper. Brown it in the bacon fat in the pan, turning to get all sides, for roughly 4-6 minutes each side. Set it aside when done.
03 -
Throw in the celery, carrots, and onions, letting them cook for 7-10 minutes till tender. Toss in the garlic and those red pepper flakes, stirring for around a minute till the smell is strong.
04 -
Pour in the stock and tomatoes, then mix in the thyme, rosemary, oregano, bay leaves, and bacon. Gently place the beef back in.
05 -
You can: (1) bring it to a boil, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours; OR (2) put it in a 275F/140C preheated oven, covered, for 2-4 hours; OR (3) transfer it to your slow cooker, cooking 8-10 hours on LOW or 4-6 hours on HIGH.
06 -
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Pull out the bay leaves, then dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
Stracotto is an Italian beef dish that becomes super tender and full of flavor with slow cooking.
02 -
Pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the tasty sauce.
03 -
Adding bacon is totally optional, but it gives the dish an extra layer of flavor.