Description
Beef Braciole is a traditional Italian dish made with thin beef slices rolled around a flavorful stuffing of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then seared and slowly simmered in rich tomato sauce. Hearty and savory, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs thin beef slices (top round or flank steak)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg (optional, for binding the filling)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for deglazing)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing rolls)
Instructions
- Lay beef slices flat and pound to an even thickness if needed.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg (if using) to form the filling.
- Spread the filling evenly over each beef slice.
- Roll up each beef slice tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rolls on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until softened.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine (if using), then add tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Return the beef rolls to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Remove the toothpicks or twine. Slice the braciole and serve with the sauce over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
Notes
Pounding the beef helps it cook evenly and roll easily.Use beef broth instead of red wine if preferred.Add carrots or celery to the sauce for extra depth.Can be made a day ahead—flavor improves with time.Freeze cooked braciole for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll with sauce (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg