Slow-Cooked Italian Pot Roast with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chuck or another cut of beef, divided into three big portions
• 4 ounces diced bacon or pancetta, if you want to add it
• 1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, use as much as you need
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup onions, finely chopped
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, minced (or half as much dried)
• 1 teaspoon thyme, minced (or half as much dried)
• 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes