Stracotto di Manzo: A Delicious Italian Braised Beef Recipe

Stracotto di Manzo is a classic Italian dish that showcases the incredible flavors of slow-cooked beef. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. From my own personal experience, this dish not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas but also brings people together around the table. It may seem like a daunting task to prepare, but let me show you how I make this delightful dish, step by step.

Notes on What to Expect

When you make Stracotto di Manzo, expect a richly flavored and tender beef dish that melts in your mouth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that is both savory and aromatic. The longer it cooks, the better it gets.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450
• Cost of Ingredients: $25–$30 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
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Ingredients

• For the Beef:
  • 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (preferably Chianti)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
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Method

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Start by patting the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
   • Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Beef:
   • In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roast.
   • Sear the meat on all sides until browned (about 4–5 minutes per side). This step enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for about 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6. Slow Cook the Beef:
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. You can also use a slow cooker set to low for 6–8 hours if preferred.
7. Rest the Beef:
   • Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Serve:
   • Slice the beef and serve it with the sauce and vegetables spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or sage based on your taste preferences.
• Vegetable Additions: You can add potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more depth and flavor.
• Wine: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the red wine with extra beef broth or grape juice.
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Tips and Substitutions

• Beef Alternative: If you prefer a leaner cut, you can use beef round, but keep in mind it may not be as tender.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with a hearty vegetable like jackfruit or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 45g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Stracotto di Manzo seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment. Enjoy your cooking journey!