Italian Pot Roast with Garlic: A Flavor-Packed Crowd-Pleaser

This Italian Pot Roast with Garlic is a surefire hit for any occasion, with tender, juicy beef infused with garlic and herbs, simmered in a rich and savory broth. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish is packed with flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. The garlic-studded beef, slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs, makes for an irresistible pot roast that’s full of Italian flair. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious Italian pot roast.

Ingredients

  • Beef: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) middle cut or false fillet
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, peeled and sliced
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Carrot: 1 large, peeled and diced
  • Celery: 3 sticks, diced
  • Onions: 3, peeled and diced
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
  • Bay Leaf: 1
  • Thyme: 2 teaspoons
  • Cloves: 3 whole
  • Tomatoes: 4, washed, cleaned, and roughly chopped
  • Broth: 750 ml (3 cups)
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

  1. Prep the Beef: Wash the beef and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  2. Stud with Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and cut them into thin slices. Use a sharp knife to pierce the meat in several places, inserting a slice of garlic into each cut. This infuses the beef with a rich garlic flavor as it cooks.
  3. Season: Generously season the beef with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Chop Vegetables: Wash, peel, and dice the carrot, celery sticks, and onions into small pieces. These vegetables will add depth and flavor to the braising liquid.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

  1. Heat Oil: In a large casserole dish or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sear the Beef: Add the seasoned beef to the hot oil and sear it on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Searing the meat helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the roast.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

  1. Add Vegetables: Once the beef is seared, add the diced carrot, celery, and onions to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.
  2. Add Herbs and Spices: Add the bay leaf, thyme, and cloves to the pot. These aromatic herbs and spices will infuse the roast with classic Italian flavors.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Broth

  1. Deglaze with Wine: If desired, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before proceeding.
  2. Add Tomatoes: Wash, clean, and roughly chop the tomatoes. Add them to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables and beef.
  3. Pour in Broth: Pour in the broth, ensuring that the beef is mostly covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the Roast

  1. Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and let the beef simmer over low heat for about 2 hours. Occasionally baste the roast with some of the braising liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

  1. Remove the Roast: Once the beef is tender and cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and keep it warm on a serving plate.
  2. Strain the Sauce: Strain the cooking liquid through a fine sieve to remove the solids, pressing down to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids.
  3. Reduce and Season: Return the strained sauce to the pot and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly, if needed. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve

  1. Slice the Roast: Slice the roast into thick slices and arrange them on a preheated serving plate.
  2. Pour Over Sauce: Pour the hot sauce generously over the sliced beef.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Serve this Italian pot roast with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus make excellent sides to balance the rich flavors of the roast.

Tips

  • Choose the Right Cut: A middle cut or false fillet works well for this dish due to its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. Alternatively, a chuck roast or brisket can also be used for more marbling and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: This pot roast tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the sauce.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Rosemary, oregano, or basil can also be added for an extra Italian touch.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: Serves 6-8
  • Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg

This Italian Pot Roast with Garlic is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The tender beef, slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a rich sauce, creates a delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying roast with your favorite sides and savor the incredible flavors of this Italian classic!