‘Tis the Season for Roast Beast!
“When the Grinch Stole Christmas,”—playing on repeat in our homes this time of year—reminds us that this season is not how many presents you’ve received. It’s about love. And nothing say “I love you” like gathering your favorite people together around your table and feeding them something a little special. Enter this Italian pot roast recipe! Although it takes a little time—a low-and-slow cook is what makes pot roast oh-so-delicious—pot roast is actually a really low-key recipe. So go ahead and invite a big crowd over! Pop open a bottle of red wine, throw a couple of logs on the fire, spin some holiday tunes and create the kind of glowing, cozy memories that this time of year is supposed to be all about.
Italian Flavors Make For the Best Pot Roast Recipe, Ever.
What makes this pot roast an Italian pot roast? Well, the classic all-American pot roast is usually flavored with super-simple things—think carrots, onions, potatoes maybe a little garlic if your Grandma was a wild-child. Our riff on the classic gets its Italian flavors from:
- Pancetta! Pancetta is very similar to bacon. However, instead of being smoked (as most bacon is) pancetta is cured with salt. If you can’t find pancetta, though, a good-quality bacon works as a replacement.
- Tomato paste. Did you know? Tomato paste is a supercharged source of umami!
- Red wine. Any excuse to open a bottle! Kidding, kidding. Wine stands in for the traditional beef or chicken broth as the liquid that your pot roast will braise in. Acid in the wine helps to break down the meat—which is a good thing—and will add a special depth of flavor, too.
- Lots of garlic! Because we love garlic, and so does everyone else.
Italian Flavors Make For the Best Pot Roast Recipe, Ever.
What makes this pot roast an Italian pot roast? Well, the classic all-American pot roast is usually flavored with super-simple things—think carrots, onions, potatoes maybe a little garlic if your Grandma was a wild-child. Our riff on the classic gets its Italian flavors from:
- Pancetta! Pancetta is very similar to bacon. However, instead of being smoked (as most bacon is) pancetta is cured with salt. If you can’t find pancetta, though, a good-quality bacon works as a replacement.
- Tomato paste. Did you know? Tomato paste is a supercharged source of umami!
- Red wine. Any excuse to open a bottle! Kidding, kidding. Wine stands in for the traditional beef or chicken broth as the liquid that your pot roast will braise in. Acid in the wine helps to break down the meat—which is a good thing—and will add a special depth of flavor, too.
- Lots of garlic! Because we love garlic, and so does everyone else.
What Is the Best Meat for Pot Roast?
Let’s set the record straight once and for all—the term “pot roast” actually refers to the cooking method used in pot roast recipes, not a specific cut of meat. Pot roast is basically just a way of braising tough cuts (read: inexpensive! yay!) of beef so that they become tender and juicy. Because the cuts you can use are much cheaper than other cuts of beer, pot roast is a great way to feed a crowd. Here are a few cuts that work well:
- Chuck roast (our pick!)
- Brisket
- Rump roast
How To Make Pot Roast
This Italian pot roast recipe is made for lazy Sundays as the rain gently pitters against the windowpane. It’s the definition of comfort food and it’s all about taking things slow. Carve out a little time, and let’s get started. Here’s how to make Italian pot roast:
- Prep your vegetables!
- Brown the meat.
- Crisp the pancetta. (Tip: use the same pot you browned the meat in—one-pot dinners FTW!).
- Nestle your pot roast back into the pan along with the wine, tomato paste and bay leaves and bring it to a simmer. It should be looking pretty pot-roast-y now.
- Pop it in the oven for 2 whole hours—aka, just enough time to get comfy on the couch and watch a movie.
- Once the meat is fork-tender, lift it out of the pan and make a gravy with the pan drippings.
- Serve to a happy crowd!
What To Serve With Italian Pot Roast
We love serving the pot roast over our garlic mashed potatoes! Or, to complete the Italian theme, our creamy polenta recipe. If you want something a tad lighter, our simple Italian salad is a wonderful option.
Tools You’ll Need:
Four Meals That Are Just as Cozy as This Pot Roast
When the days are short and the temperatures drop, turn on the oven and settle in for the long season ahead with a few other one-pot recipes.
A Pot Roast Worth Gathering For
We would love to see how you brought your friends and family together with this pot roast recipe. Snap a photo and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you fed it to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
