Straccato Italian-Style Roast Beef (Rôti de Bœuf à l’Italienne) – A Hearty & Flavorful Comfort Dish 🍖🇮🇹
This Straccato Italian-Style Roast Beef brings together tender, slow-cooked beef with a savory tomato-based sauce enriched with aromatic herbs and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Perfectly paired with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish offers a rich, satisfying meal that’ll have you craving seconds. Get ready to impress your family or guests with this flavorful, hearty recipe that’s easy to prepare and even better to enjoy.
Ingredients:
For this delicious, fall-apart tender roast beef, you’ll need:
For the Roast Beef:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) roast beef (preferably a cut that’s ideal for slow roasting)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 375 ml (1 ½ cups) beef broth (we’re skipping the red wine for this recipe but still keeping all the rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (adds a subtle tang)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing and sautéing)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
How to Make Straccato Italian-Style Roast Beef
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Meat:
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This slow roasting process is what gives the beef its tender texture.
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the roast beef with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step locks in the flavor and creates that rich, savory crust. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté these aromatic veggies until they soften and begin to release their flavors. This forms the base of your sauce, adding depth to the final dish.
4. Add the Tomato Paste and Liquids:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes. This step deepens the tomato flavor. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and let it all simmer for a minute.
5. Roast the Beef:
Return the seared roast beef to the pot, making sure it’s nestled in the sauce. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it cook slowly for 3 hours, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and soak up all the rich tomato and herb flavors. The long cooking time is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the roast beef is done, remove it from the oven. Using two forks, shred the beef into smaller pieces right in the pot, mixing it into the sauce. The beef will be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the shredded beef and sauce hot with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. The sauce is incredibly flavorful, making it the perfect accompaniment to your choice of sides. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can add a little color and extra flavor before serving.
Recipe Tips for Success:
- Beef Cut: Choose a cut of beef suitable for slow roasting, like chuck roast or brisket, which become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add extra herbs or a splash more balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Some might even enjoy adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them for an even richer flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Straccato Italian-Style Roast Beef is the definition of comfort food. With tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and a savory, herb-infused tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a classic example of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re serving it for a Sunday family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. Enjoy the taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home!
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
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