Beef Braciole

If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your fork into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef roll stuffed with a savory, herby filling, then you’re in for a treat! Beef Braciole is the epitome of Italian comfort food—flavorsome, satisfying, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. It’s a dish that’s perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or whenever you want to indulge in a comforting, hearty meal. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Beef Braciole

Rich in Flavor: Beef Braciole is made by wrapping thin slices of beef around a mouthwatering filling of garlic, cheese, and herbs, then slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce. The result? Tender beef that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Perfect for Special Occasions: While it’s easy enough for a Sunday dinner, this dish also has that special “wow” factor for more formal occasions. If you want to impress your guests, Beef Braciole is a game-changer.

Comforting: The beef cooks in a rich, hearty sauce that makes every bite cozy and indulgent. Pair it with pasta, crusty bread, or even roasted veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug.

One-Pot Wonder: It’s an easy-to-make dish that comes together in one pot. After you brown the beef and roll it up with all those delicious fillings, the oven does the rest of the work. Less fuss, more flavor.

Ingredients in Beef Braciole

This dish is all about the flavor-packed filling and a slow-cooked tomato sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef Steak (Flank, Skirt, or Round)

The star of the dish! You want thin slices of beef that are tender and will absorb all the flavors from the filling and sauce.

Garlic

A few cloves of garlic give the braciole that classic, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Fresh Parsley

A bright herb that adds a fresh, herby flavor to the filling. It helps balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.

Parmesan Cheese

Sharp, nutty Parmesan is key to the filling. It adds richness and flavor that melts beautifully as the beef cooks.

Bread Crumbs

Breadcrumbs help bind the filling together and absorb the savory juices, adding texture to every bite.

Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese

These cheeses give the filling an extra creaminess and flavor. They melt beautifully and complement the beef and tomato sauce perfectly.

Olive Oil

For browning the beef and sautéing the garlic—adds a nice richness and depth of flavor.

Crushed Tomatoes

The base of the sauce, crushed tomatoes are simmered with garlic, onion, and herbs, creating the perfect accompaniment to the braciole.

Onion

A classic addition to the tomato sauce, bringing a slightly sweet and savory flavor.

Salt and Pepper

For seasoning, to bring out all the flavors in the dish.

Dried Oregano

A bit of dried oregano adds that earthy, Italian flavor that ties everything together.

Instructions

Ready to bring this incredible dish to life? Here’s how to do it step by step:

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm for baking your braciole.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is the flavor-packed filling that will go inside your beef rolls.

Roll the Beef

Lay out your thin slices of beef on a clean surface. Season each side with a bit of salt and pepper. Place a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture on each piece, adding a few slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese. Roll up the beef tightly, securing it with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides until they have a nice golden color. This step adds so much flavor to the braciole, so take your time!

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the garlic and onion until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Simmer the Braciole

Transfer the beef rolls into a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have had time to meld together.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the beef is perfectly tender, remove the toothpicks or twine, slice the braciole into rounds, and serve with the sauce on top. Pair it with your favorite pasta, some crusty bread to soak up that sauce, and a simple salad for the perfect Italian meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350 (varies depending on beef and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
Total Time: 2–2.5 hours

How to Serve Beef Braciole

With Pasta: A classic way to serve beef braciole is over a bed of spaghetti, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta. The sauce is so rich and flavorful—it’s the perfect pairing!
With Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to clean your plate.
As a Main Dish: If you’re looking for a hearty meal, serve the braciole with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for balance.

Additional Tips

Use Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: Make sure to secure the rolls with toothpicks or twine to keep the filling inside while it cooks.
Slow-Cook for Tender Beef: If you have time, you can also cook the braciole in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then place it in the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Make Extra Sauce: If you’re a fan of extra sauce, double the recipe and have plenty for pasta, bread dipping, or even leftovers the next day!
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, like sautéed mushrooms or spinach, to make it your own.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of beef for the braciole?
A1: Yes, you can use flank steak, skirt steak, or round steak. Just be sure it’s thinly sliced to make rolling easier.

Q2: Can I make Beef Braciole ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the braciole and sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It will taste even better after sitting in the fridge as the flavors meld.

Q3: Can I cook Beef Braciole in a slow cooker?
A3: Yes! After browning the beef and preparing the sauce, you can cook the braciole in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off cooking method.

Q4: What other cheeses can I use for the filling?
A4: You can try using mozzarella, ricotta, or even asiago cheese for different flavors.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove in the sauce.

Q6: Can I freeze Beef Braciole?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the braciole before baking, or freeze it after cooking. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it well.

Q7: Can I make Beef Braciole without cheese?
A7: Absolutely! You can omit the cheese in the filling if you prefer, or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q8: How do I know when the Beef Braciole is done?
A8: The beef should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The filling should be cooked through, and the sauce should be rich and flavorful.

Q9: What sides go well with Beef Braciole?
A9: Beef Braciole pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Q10: Can I make a vegetarian version of Beef Braciole?
A10: Yes! Use thin slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of beef, and fill them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Beef Braciole is the kind of dish that feels like a celebration. From the tender, savory beef to the rich tomato sauce, it’s a meal that will bring smiles all around the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish never fails to impress. The slow-cooked flavors are totally worth the time and effort, and the best part? The leftovers are even better the next day. So, get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible Italian classic!

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