Italian Braised Beef Recipe  Tender, Flavorful & Comforting

Slow-cooked Italian braised beef made with chuck roast, herbs, and tomatoes — tender, juicy, and perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins

🍳 Cook Time: 3 hrs

🍽️ Servings: 6–8


🧂 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 oz Bacon or Pancetta, diced (optional)

3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 3 large pieces

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Olive Oil, as needed for searing


Vegetables & Aromatics

1 cup Onion, diced

1 cup Carrot, diced

1 cup Celery, diced

1 tbsp Garlic, chopped

½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)


Liquids & Seasoning

2 cups Beef Broth

1 can (14.5 oz) Crushed Tomatoes

1 tsp Thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)

1 tsp Rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)

1 tsp Italian Seasoning (or Oregano)

2 Bay Leaves


Optional Additions

1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

2 tbsp Tomato Paste

¼ cup Grated Parmesan (for finishing)



👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare & Season

Pat beef dry and season well with salt and pepper. Set aside. Dice bacon or pancetta if using.



Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Cook bacon/pancetta until crisp; remove.
Sear beef on all sides (4–5 mins per side) until browned. Remove and set aside.


Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pot; sauté 5 mins.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 min more.


Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add tomato paste, cook 2 mins.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, herbs, bay leaves, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well.



Step 5: Braise the Beef

Return beef (and bacon) to the pot.
Simmer gently, cover, and cook 2½–3 hours on low heat until tender.


Step 6: Finish & Serve

Shred or slice beef, discard bay leaves.
Adjust seasoning. Top with grated Parmesan.

Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta.




💡 Tips

Browning the meat adds deep flavor.

Use a slow cooker for an easy, all-day cook.

Add a splash of red wine for a richer taste.