Ingredients
- 4 ounces bacon (or pancetta), diced (optional)
- 3 pounds beef (such as chuck), cut into 3 large pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (link) (or oregano)
- 2 bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the bacon in a large oven safe saucepan (dutch oven), over medium heat, before setting aside.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper and sear/brown in the bacon grease, over medium-high heat, in the pan, about 4-6 minutes per side, before setting aside.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and bacon, and mix before adding the beef.
- Either: (1) bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the beef is falling apart tender, about 2-4 hours; OR (2) cover, transfer to a preheated to 275F/140C oven and cook until falling apart tender, about 2-4 hours; OR (3) transfer to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove the bay leaves, and enjoy!
Option: Add 1 ounce of reconstituted and chopped dried porcini mushrooms, along with the onions, carrots, and celery.
Option: Replace some or all of the broth with a dry white or red wine.
Option: Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste along with the garlic.
Option: Add 1 teaspoon sage, chopped or (1/2 teaspoon dried).
Option: Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
Option: Add 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free).
Option: Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free).
Option: Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan, at the end.
Option: Serve over pasta, gnocchi, polenta, mashed potatoes, etc.
Nutrition Facts: Calories 427, Fat 18g (Saturated 7g, Trans 0.5g), Cholesterol 155mg, Sodium 636mg, Carbs 12g (Fiber 2g, Sugars 5g), Protein 55g