Stracotto di Manzo: A Hearty Italian Classic

So, here’s a friendly, detailed recipe guide for Stracotto di Manzo, a delicious Italian slow-cooked beef dish. This recipe includes everything you need to know to make it perfect, along with variations, tips, and nutritional information.

Reason to try this Hearty Italian Classic

Stracotto di Manzo, or Italian braised beef, is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Slow-cooked until tender, this dish is full of rich flavors and can be served with a variety of sides. From my own personal experience, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs. Let me show you how I make this delightful recipe.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Time to Stand: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $20 – $30 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish
• Equipment Needed: Dutch oven or large pot, cutting board, knife, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #stracottodimanzo  here

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

• Herb Variations: Feel free to add rosemary or parsley for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: You can include potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with an additional cup of beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #stracottodimanzo  here

Dietary Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Ensure the beef broth is gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and skip adding extra salt.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian alternative, try using a mix of hearty vegetables and mushrooms, though it won’t be stracotto in the traditional sense.

Cooking Method

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Start by trimming excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Season it generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Meat:
   • In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef and sear on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step locks in flavors and creates a delicious crust.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful bits. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Return the beef to the pot, then add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer.
6. Slow Cook:
   • Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, you can simmer the sauce for an extra 10-15 minutes to thicken it if desired.
   • Slice or shred the beef, and serve it with the sauce over polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
   • Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #stracottodimanzo  here

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Too Dry? If the beef seems dry, add a bit more broth or water while cooking.
• Not Tender? If the beef isn’t tender after 3 hours, let it cook longer, checking occasionally.
• Thick Sauce: For a thicker sauce, uncover the pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g