Braciole: Italian Beef Rolls in Rich Tomato Sauce
Braciole may take a little time, but every bite is worth it. It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with incredible aromas and makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian kitchen in Naples.
🥕 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Braciole Rolls:
- 1½ lbs thinly sliced beef top round or flank steak
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp raisins (optional for a Sicilian twist)
- Salt & pepper
- Butcher’s twine or toothpicks for securing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional but adds richness)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley to finish
🍲 Instructions
Prep the Beef:
- Pound each slice of beef to about ¼-inch thickness if needed. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, and optional pine nuts/raisins. Drizzle with a little olive oil to moisten.
Roll It Up:
- Place a spoonful of filling on each beef slice. Roll tightly and secure with butcher’s twine or toothpicks.
Sear the Rolls:
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown each roll on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Deglaze with red wine (if using), then add marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer the Braciole:
- Return the beef rolls to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 1½ to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until tender.
Serve:
- Remove twine/toothpicks. Spoon sauce over the rolls and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with pasta or polenta.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Beef Braciole
- 🧂 Italian Seasoning Blend — For authentic Italian herb flavor in your filling and sauce.
- 🥩 Meat Tenderizer/Mallet — To get that beef thin and tender for perfect rolling.
- 🧵 Butcher’s Twine — Keeps your beef rolls secure during braising.
- 🍅 Marinara Sauce (Chef-Approved) — Saves time without sacrificing rich tomato flavor.
- 🍷 Red Wine for Cooking — Adds depth and complexity to your sauce.
- 🥄 Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet — Ideal for slow, even braising of your stuffed beef rolls.
Pro Tip: Let the Braciole rest in the sauce for 15–20 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors soak in even more. Buon appetito!