Italian Pot Roast (Staccato)
Description
Italian Pot Roast, or Staccato, is a slow-braised beef dish cooked with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and beef broth. The long cooking time makes the beef wonderfully tender and creates a rich, savory tomato sauce.
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3½ hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 oz bacon or pancetta, diced — optional
- 3 lb beef chuck, cut into 3 large pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon or pancetta and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Place it in the bacon drippings and sear for about 4–6 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook for 7–10 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and cooked bacon. Stir well.
- Return the beef: Place the browned beef back into the sauce.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook using one of these methods:
- Oven: 275°F (140°C) for about 2–4 hours.
- Stovetop: Simmer gently, covered, for about 2–4 hours.
- Slow cooker: LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours.
Cook until the beef is very tender and easily falls apart with a fork.
- Finish: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve: Shred or slice the tender beef and spoon plenty of the tomato sauce over the top.
Healthy Benefits
- Beef provides high-quality protein and important nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12.
- Carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes add vegetables and fiber.
- Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender without requiring a large amount of added oil.
For a lighter version, you can reduce or omit the bacon/pancetta and skim excess fat from the sauce.
Pro Tip
Don’t skip browning the beef. A good sear adds deep flavor to the finished sauce. Also, keep the braise at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil so the beef becomes tender and juicy.
Frequency
This is a rich, hearty main dish, so it can fit occasionally into a balanced meal plan. Pairing a moderate portion with vegetables or a fresh salad makes for a more balanced plate.
Q/A
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours. The original recipe also notes that you can put the ingredients directly into the slow cooker if you want to simplify the preparation.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Potatoes can be added when the main braising liquid and beef go into the pot.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Pot roast can be refrigerated and reheated. The flavors can develop further after resting.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Store cooled portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to about 3 months.
What cut of beef is best?
Beef chuck is a good choice because its connective tissue breaks down during long, slow cooking.
Serve
Serve the tender beef and tomato sauce over:
- Creamy polenta
- Pasta
- Gnocchi
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty Italian bread
Variations
- Mushroom Staccato: Add reconstituted chopped dried porcini mushrooms.
- Wine version: Replace some of the broth with dry red or white wine.
- Tomato-rich: Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
- Balsamic: Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for extra acidity.
- Cheesy: Finish with grated Parmesan.
- Slow-cooker version: Use the slow-cooker method for an easy hands-off dinner.
Related Recipe Ideas
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Slow Cooker Mushroom Pot Roast
- Tender Braised Beef with Homemade Gravy
- Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
- Beef Barley Soup
- Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Tips & Potatoes
Final Thought
This Italian-style pot roast is a classic slow-cooked comfort meal: tender beef, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce come together in one satisfying dish. The original Closet Cooking recipe gives several cooking methods, so it can be adapted for the oven, stovetop, or slow cooker.
