Description
A tender and flavorful Italian-style pot roast,slow-cooked with bacon, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tomato-based sauce for acomforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket
- 4 oz bacon (chopped)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup carrot (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
Liquids:
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sear the Roast: Increase the heat to medium-high. Sear the beef roast in the bacon fat for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Combine and Cook: Return the seared beef and cooked bacon to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) and cook for the same duration.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and discard. Shred the beef slightly and serve with the sauce and vegetables over mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta.
Notes
✔ For extra flavor, add ½ cup of red wine when deglazing the pot.
✔ For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to ¾ tsp.
✔ For a thicker sauce, remove the beef at the end and let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired